20

"It won't happen again" she looked into Drake's eyes to assure him of that.

The woman prepared to say something more, seeing doubt creep across Drake's face, but was interrupted by a hoarse voice behind her.

"Mr. Collins"

Jean immediately looked at the man behind her daughter. That tone, calm as the sea, hid a devastating storm. Simple words sounded like a command in Ethan's tone.

"Mr. Banks, it's an honor to be here" Collins stood up and extended his hand to Banks, who accepted it with a firm shake.

"It's an honor to have you here"

At that moment, a supposed truth dawned on Blair. Ethan was the evening's host, and had approached her by calling her the "lady in red." That was how she looked the first time she saw him, like a unique possessor of the scarlet hue. It was likely that all of this had been set up so that he would see her again. It would be understandable for someone of Banks' stature to move heaven and earth to get what he wanted.

Despite feeling a lump in her throat at the