CHAPTER 1
Mila knew what everyone must think in that room, and it made her cringe.
Her mother had done it. She was marrying a business tycoon and surely everyone assumed it was for his money.
Unfortunately, Mila knew her mother well enough to suspect they might be right though she wanted to think her mother did love Danny–at least on some level.
Though Mila had been primped and dressed for this upscale Manhattan gala to fit in, courtesy of her mother’s fiancé, she’d never felt more out of place in her life. (Even if the gown was the most glamorous thing she’d ever worn.)
Her mother, on the other hand, glowed under the light from the chandeliers as she flaunted the huge diamond on her finger to everyone, whether they asked or not.
Mila tried to swallow her discomfort and concerns and be happy for her mother. After all, she knew this is what her mother truly wanted.
It was still hard for her to ignore the curious, sometimes jealous, sometimes derisive stares she received from every single person there. Everyone was judging her as well (especially the women) and she shuddered to think what they must assume about her too.
She received a lot more positive attention from the men, but that didn’t make her feel better. They probably thought she’d be easy pickings.
After being introduced for the hundredth time, Mila excused herself to use the ladies’ room. It was a convenient escape. While hiding out in one of the stalls for a few minutes, Mila wondered if should tell people she had no interest in marrying for money. But that might be too much. Or it could plant ideas in their minds.
Mila sighed and opened the stall door, which was an impressive thick fortress with no gaps anywhere to be seen. She wished the stalls at work were so nice.
Mila braced herself before heading back to the party, which was a good thing because in the corridor to the restroom she was immediately cornered by Tiffany, one of Danny’s children.
Danny had a son and a daughter from his first marriage, and they were several years older than Mila. His youngest daughter, Savannah, from his second marriage, was close to Mila’s age. She’d been around them all briefly, but she got the feeling it was safest not to get too close to the oldest two.
“You look ravishing,” Tiffany said, her red manicured nails wrapped around a champagne glass like talons. “I noticed all the men think so.”
Mila tried not to tense too much. “Thank you.” She tried to step around, but Tiffany casually blocked her.
Then, Tiffany whispered, “If you’re on the hunt for a good catch, I can point you in the right direction.” She winked.
Mila forced a smile as anger shot through her. “I’m not but thank you for the offer.”
Tiffany blinked. “You don’t want to follow in your mother’s footsteps and land a whale?”
Mila met her fake innocent stare as her own hazel eyes hardened. “I don’t know your father well, but I’m sure there’s a lot more to him than money.” Not that she’d spent a lot of time with Danny, but he seemed like a decent guy.
“Oh, sure.” Tiffany waved a hand dismissively. “But it’s really just good sense. I would do the same thing. In fact, I tried but it didn’t last. Of course, he was too old, and I got bored.” She sputtered into a giggle.
Mila believed Tiffany would make the same decisions as her mother–or much worse. At least Mila felt safe believing her mother wasn’t counting down the days until Danny died.
“Anyway,” Tiffany said as she regained composure, “I know you’re more innocent than that. But if you do have your eyes on anyone, be sure to talk to me first. I know everyone’s dirty secrets.” Her eyes glimmered.
Oh, I will,Mila thought. But she said, “Thanks. I doubt I’ll need to worry about it, but I’ll be sure to remember that.” Maybe remember it and laugh, but she wouldn’t say that out loud.
Tiffany appraised her. “You seem like a smart cookie. But still…don’t let appearances fool you. Most of the people here are beasts beneath the surface.”
Mila nodded. “I’ll keep that in mind.” Especially when it comes to you, Mila added to herself.
As she stepped away, Tiffany smiled sweetly, took a swig of champagne, and waltzed away.