The door of the bathroom burst open, and the hotel concierge raced in, followed by several waiters.

"We came as fast as we could," the concierge said. "Unfortunately, the hotel doctor is out right now, but we have a taxi waiting to take her to the hospital. We are so terribly sorry."

​​

"How could you let such a clumsy girl serve the fondue?" Catherine asked.

"We're investigating the matter right now," the concierge said. "Of course, we'll have our insurance investigators look into things too. At this stage, we believe it was an honest accident, and we offer our sincerest apologies."

"Save the lawyer talk for court," Catherine snapped. "Just get her to the taxi."

The waiters closed in around Geoffrey, gently lifting her by her torso. She struggled and flailed, shouting at them to let her down, but the waiters were strong and efficient. They carried her from the bathroom, down a long corridor, and towards the back part of the hotel. Catherine raced behind them.

"Let me go," Geoffrey shouted. "Catherine, come with me!"

The waiters carried Geoffrey into the kitchen, and the concierge stopped, blocking the swinging door.

"I'm so sorry, but this area is staff only," she said.

"What?" Catherine asked.

"I'm sorry," the concierge said, frowning slightly. "It's a matter of safety."

"I want to see my friend," Catherine said.

"I'm afraid I can't allow that," the concierge replied. "Why don't you go enjoy the party?"

For a moment, Catherine thought about pushing her way past the woman. She didn't look very strong, and Catherine was sure she could outrun her. But Sophia pulled her away.

"By the time you get out the back, the taxi will be gone," Sophia said.

Catherine sighed, "You're right. But I want nothing more than to wipe that fake smile off her face. Geoffrey was really hurt, and all she cared about was protecting the hotel's image."

The doors swung open, and Madison raced in, slightly wobbly on her high heels. She grabbed Catherine's arm and shook her head.

"Is your friend okay?" Madison asked.

"She'll be fine," she replied. "No thanks to you."

"What?" Madison asked. "It's not my fault that the waiter was so clumsy. Hell, she was probably drunk like most of these lowlife people. They're all alcoholics or drug addicts, you know. Anyway, I came looking for you because there's this guy here who's asking for you."

"Sean?" she asked hopefully.

"No, he says his name is Adam," Madison answered.

Catherine exchanged a look with Sophia. She couldn't think of any Adams, and Sophia looked just as confused. For a moment, she hesitated, wondering if it was some kind of trap. Geoffrey was gone, and if anything happened, she'd have to fend for herself.

"I don't know who that is," she said to Madison.

"Well, he sure knows who you are," Madison said. "Why don't you come to see what he wants?"

"There are a hundred witnesses out there," she said. "If you or this guy try anything funny, they'll see."

Madison widened her eyes and shook her head, "Cathy, I had no idea about that stuff Susan did, okay?"

"Yeah, sure," Catherine said, rolling her eyes. "Let's get this over with."

She followed Madison down the long hallway. With each step, her stomach sank, and her throat went dry. Something felt wrong, but she couldn't put her finger on it. She looked over her shoulder to make sure Sophia was following her, and then she stepped into the loud buzz of the ballroom.

A broad-shouldered man wearing a very tight gray suit rushed toward her. He had dark curly hair, honey-colored eyes, and a wide, appealing smile.

"Oh my god, Cathy, you look amazing," he said, wrapping her in a tight hug.

"Do we know each other?" she asked.

His smile turned into a pout, "Don't pretend you've forgotten. It's me—Adam Carroll."

"Huh?" she asked.

"Oh, come on," he said. "We grew up together. We were practically inseparable."

"I'm sorry, she said. "I don't remember."

He clutched a hand to his chest, "How could you forget me?"

"Wait a minute," she said, desperately searching for some memory. "Were you the kid that used to chase me around the playground?"

"That's me," he said with a laugh. "I'm afraid I wasn't very good at flirting back then."

"I guess not," she said. "Since I was always running away. Anyway, you'll have to excuse me, there's something I need to take care of."

"Oh, come on," he said. "Don't run away again."

Her phone buzzed, and she looked down. It was a message from Sean. She opened it immediately and read: Stay where you are. I'm on my way.

"Actually, I guess I don't have to go," she said.

"That's wonderful," Adam said, following her back to her table.

He sat down in Geoffrey's chair and poured himself a glass of water as if he'd been there all along. Catherine was amazed to see that all traces of the spilled fondue had been cleaned. Adam leaned back in the chair and gave her a long, appraising look.

"I always knew you'd grow up pretty," he said. "But I couldn't have predicted this. You're stunning. Sophia is too, but blondes have never been my type."

"Wait a minute," Sophia said. "I remember you. You used to chase Cathy and me around. You pulled our hair and looked up our skirts—you were quite the pervert!"

"I was a bit of a monster," he admitted with a laugh. "I lost my head every time I saw a pretty girl."

"Hmph," Catherine said. "Do you still lose your head?"

"Yes," he said, his voice low and soft. "But in an entirely different way. By the way, are you seeing anyone these days?"

"Yes," she snapped. "I'm married."

"Married?" he repeated, widening his eyes in mock horror. "How can that be so? Don't you remember the day I proposed to you? It was a candy ring, but I think that still counts."

"No, I don't remember," she said, making her voice frosty. She didn't realize she was shouting until she saw several pairs of eyes focused on her.

"It's hard for her to keep track of all the men she's had," joked a boy at the next table.

She felt her cheeks flame with anger, and she dug her nails into her palms. Her stomach churned, and she fought the urge to run from the room. The laughing faces around her made her feel sick, and she closed her eyes for a moment.

"I can't believe you left me for another man," Adam joked. "Tell me about this husband of yours. Does he have my good looks? Or our history together?"

"Haven't you heard," Lily said, passing their table. "He has money. He's one of the richest men in London."

Adam laughed, throwing his head back, "Well then, give me a call when he kicks the bucket."

"He's not old," Catherine snapped.