Jane’s compliment made Alianna feel invincible. She let the whispers and side glances fall away, her smile turning bold and radiant.
Of course. She was the prettiest one here, and everyone knew it. The other girls could only envy her.
Her eyes quickly found Julian in the crowd. Just looking at him—tall, sharp, effortlessly handsome—made her cheeks warm up.
“Mom, I see Julian. I’m going over,” she said, letting her excitement show.
Jane squeezed her hand. “Go on! And remember what I told you. Confidence, darling. You’re the most beautiful girl in the room. Julian doesn’t stand a chance against you.”
Their voices weren't exactly hushed, and Madeline, standing a little ways off, caught every word. She shot them a sideways look, puzzled. She hadn’t seen Jane or Alianna before, but there was something familiar about them, just from the way they spoke.
Madeline decided not to get involved. She turned to head toward Julian. She’d barely taken a step when Jane swooped in and grabbed her arm.
“Well, if it isn’t Madeline! Your eyes are better! Back in the Capital? Are you here for the birthday party too?”
Madeline only nodded, not interested in small talk.
Alianna took her chance. She clicked across the floor in heels that could kill, heading straight for Julian. “Julian.”
Madeline turned just in time to see Alianna reach Julian and wrap her arm around his like it was her right. “There you are, Julian. I was waiting outside for you.”
Madeline felt her brow crease.
Noah and Oliver’s little faces twisted up, both equally appalled.
Wow. Was someone seriously flirting with their dad in front of everyone? And Dad wasn’t even moving away!
Bad Daddy! The worst! He'd seen them a minute ago and acted like he didn’t. Was he really trying to impress this lady?
“Come on, let’s go,” Oliver whispered.

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