CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY FIVE – DEATH THREATS

Charlotte managed a small smile, forcing herself to take comfort in the conviction blazing in Julian's eyes. He was her harbor in this storm, her inviolable constant in a world gone utterly awry around them. As long as he held true to that immutable inner steel, she could weather any maelstrom at his side. She opened her mouth to respond, but her attention was diverted by a familiar figure weaving through the crowd towards their table. Bianca Desmond, resplendent in a slinky crimson sheath, looked every inch the belle of this particular ball as she beamed at them both. "Well, isn't this a delightful surprise!" she exclaimed, leaning in to air-kiss first Charlotte, then Julian on both perfectly sculpted cheeks. "My two dearest friends, looking more glamorous than anyone else in this musty old crowd of relics." Julian allowed himself a rare, genuine chuckle as Bianca settled into the chair beside him, her vivacious energy and dazzling irreverence as welcome as a balm to their frayed n