Evelyn looked at Julian’s open hand. His long fingers were calm and steady. She took a deep breath, lifted her hand, and placed her soft fingers into his warm palm.

Julian wrapped his strong hand around hers, holding her firmly. He turned around, leading her down the stage steps and right past the trembling forms of Liam and Chloe. Neither Liam nor Chloe dared to lift their heads. They stayed on the floor like defeated worms while the cameras flashed repeatedly.

Julian led Evelyn out of the grand ballroom. His tall bodyguards opened a path through the crowd, keeping the wild news reporters away. They stepped into a private black...