The music from the ballroom struck him like a slap the moment Julian re-entered.

Bright lights, flittering laughter and champagne flutes clinking against crystal.

Everything gleamed, perfect and expensive — and he hated it.

He moved through the crowd like a man possessed, jaw tight, eyes unfocused, rage simmering beneath his immaculate composure. Every sound grated against him. Every whisper, every burst of laughter seemed to mock him. He couldn’t erase the words.

“How dare you say ...