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“Are you okay?” Lil asks Gemma. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

Lil and I exchange a skeptical look. There’s definitely something she’s not telling us. She appears ready to murder someone, her glare fixed on Esther clinging possessively to Elijah’s arm.

I raise my champagne. “No men tonight, and instead, to an unforgettable evening with my best girls.”

“Cheers.” Lil and Gemma clink their glasses against mine.

I risk another glance at Connor.

Sebastian strides over to Elijah, Serena on his arm. The two men exchange a hearty handshake and laugh, the sound blending into the ambient noise.

“Don’t look,” I say.

Of course, that only makes Gemma and Lil whip their heads around.

“Seems like Bash is a good friend of his,” Lil says.

“They’ve been doing business together and got pretty close. Best friends,” I say.

“How do you know all this?” Lil asks.

“Well, that’s one advantage of having the queen of gossip as a mother.”

Gemma glances between Lil and me. “He’s my one-night stand from the masquerade.”

I choke on my champagne as Gemma’s words sink in.

Lil grins wickedly beside me. “I guess your mother missed a tiny detail.”

“Apparently.” Gemma forces a weak smile.

I feel sick. If Elijah was at that party, chances are high that Connor was too, right? He seemed so familiar during our first meeting. Could he be…?

No. I must be crazy to think Connor is Chris. He can’t possibly be… but why else was he so sure of himself that night?

My stomach churns with unease. I take a large gulp of champagne.

“Shit.” Gemma nods awkwardly, putting her hands behind her back as she looks at Sebastian waving her over.

“Want to go grab some burgers?” Lil asks.

“No, we stay,” Gemma says.

I notice Connor watching me intently, a smug smirk on his face. He waves in an almost taunting way. What’s gotten into him tonight? This is the first time he’s looked at me since throwing me out of his car.

“I need to use the restroom,” Gemma says.

“Want me to come with you?” Lil asks.

“No, I’m alright. I need a minute to myself.” Gemma hurries away.

I clear my throat. “I could use another drink. You?”

“Sure, let’s go.” Lil heads toward the bar with me close behind, avoiding Connor and his crew.

“Is everything okay with you?”

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