CHAPTER FORTY ONE – AT THE BALL

The grand ballroom at the Metropolitan Museum of Art glittered like a jewel box, elegant strings providing a lilting backdrop to the din of polite conversation. Charlotte slowly circulated the perimeter of the ornate space, studying the rapt expressions of patrons clustered around each exhibit with a serene smile. Thank God she'd decided to go stag tonight. Kai had been more than understanding when she'd begged off the charity gala at the last minute, insisting she wouldn't have any fun trying to drag him along. If she was being honest with herself, though, she knew these events still carried a strange sort of frisson for her, an undeniable spark she didn't quite experience anywhere else. "Well, well, if it isn't Charlotte Jones - the Belle of the Upper East Side, gracious lying blessing us mere mortals with her presence." The rich timbre of the achingly familiar voice caused her to stiffen, warmth spreading unbidden across her cheeks. Pivoting slowly on one delicate heel, she tur