Chapter 4

Grant opened the ring box.

An oval sapphire caught the light. A small chip marked one edge of the stone, left from the time my mother had accidentally struck it against a kitchen counter when she was young.

I could never mistake that ring.

It was the last piece of jewelry my mother had left me, and I had never given anyone permission to touch it.

"Put it back."

My voice carried across the ballroom.

Every face turned toward me.

Grant's shoulders stiffened, but he did not immediately stand. Vanessa's outstretched hand froze in the air as tears quickly filled…