Chapter 2

The ballroom buzzed.

Chandeliers dripped light.

Music swelled.

I waited.

Then, the whispers started.

Daisy Mae made her entrance.

She wore it. My heirloom gown.

White lace, pearls, a King family treasure.

She glided in, smiling, expecting to be the star.

A few moments later, I appeared at the top of the grand staircase.

The silver haute couture gown shimmered.

It was modern, daring, breathtaking.

A gasp went through the crowd.

I descended, regal, powerful.

Daisy froze. Her smile faltered.

I eclipsed her. Completely.

I walked straight to her.

My voice was cold, clear, carrying over the sudden hush.

"Daisy Mae. That is the King family heirloom gown. Designated for the King debutante."

Her eyes widened.

"You stole it from my chambers."

"Savannah, I..." she stammered, color draining from her face.

"You are attempting to usurp my position, wearing a gown that is not yours by right or by permission."

I held out my hand. "Take it off. Return it now."

Daisy looked around, flustered, seeking help.

She tried to look pitiful. "Savannah, it was a mistake, I just admired it so much..."

"A mistake?" I cut her off. "Entering my private rooms? Taking what isn't yours? Flaunting it at my debutante ball? That' s not a mistake, Daisy. That' s theft. That' s a deliberate insult."

"How dare you!"

Beau Carter stepped forward, his face flushed with anger.

He put a protective arm around Daisy.

"Savannah, you are spoiled, cruel, and petty! Making a scene over a dress!"

He sneered. "Daisy looks beautiful. You' re just jealous."

I looked at him, my gaze like ice.

"Jealous?"

SMACK.

My hand connected with his cheek. Hard.

Gasps echoed.

Beau recoiled, stunned, a red mark blooming on his face.

"You forget yourself, Beau," I said, my voice dangerously low.

"You forget your place. Your family' s new money is barely dry. Their social standing? It hangs by the thread of my family' s approval."

"This isn't just 'a dress.' This is a family heirloom. There are protocols. There is honor."

"You defend a thief who insults my family in our own home?"