The bodyguard didn''t just escort Ashley out-he straight-up tossed her. One minute she was gliding through the party, dressed to impress, blending in with the city''s elite; the next, she was unceremoniously dumped on the pavement outside. Her dress was rumpled, her hair a mess, and everyone at the entrance-security guards, guests, even random passersby-stared at her like she was tonight''s entertainment.


    Two security guards chatted by the door, making no effort to hide their amusement.


    "I told you we shouldn''t have let her in. She looked like a moocher from the start. No invite, nothing," one said, shaking his head.


    "She imed to be Mrs. Salstrom''s cousin," the other replied, sounding sheepish. "Didn''t want to offend anyone, you know? Lesson learned, I guess."


    "Times are tough. Too many scammers these days. And that old woman—her dress was a knockoff if I''ve ever seen one. Trying way too hard."


    Ashley heard every word. Her cheeks burned with humiliation and fury.


    She scrambled up, ready to argue, but Tavon stormed out after her. Without a word, he grabbed her arm and pulled her away from the crowd. "Ashley, enough. Don''t make this any worse," he muttered, his jaw tight.


    She''d made such a scene, and Tavon could feel the embarrassment burning on his own face, too. He was frustrated-and so was Autumn, who had her own mess to deal with.


    At the hospital, Autumn sat in the waiting area, nerves jangling. Mr. Walker had insisted she get checked out, and she couldn''t refuse without raising red gs.


    While Mr. Walker went to pick up her test results, Autumn tried to steady her breathing. Suddenly, Devin slid into the seat next to her.


    "Hey, Swallow, you feeling okay?" he asked, using her old nickname.


    Startled, Autumn nced around, heart racing. Thest thing she needed was Mr. Walker catching her with Devin.


    "What are you doing here?" she whispered, her voice tight. "You need to leave. Mr. Walker could be back any second."


    "I just came to see you," Devin said, genuine concern in his eyes. "Are you sick?"


    "I''m fine. Seriously, go!" Autumn urged, desperate. "And what were you doing at the party today?"


    "Feiman sent me an invitation," Devin snorted. "The Salstroms-so fake. After what they did to my family, they still try to act all generous and invite me? It''s just for show."


    He was clearly bitter, but the truth was, he couldn''t afford to offend the Salstroms. Not now.


    Ever since the Brown family fell from grace, Devin was practically invisible at parties like this. People avoided him, and his old rivals didn''t miss a chance to rub it in.


    It hurt more than he''d ever admit.


    Devin was convinced the Salstroms had invited him just to watch him squirm.


    Autumn felt a wave of relief—at least he wasn''t about to expose anything between them.


    "Just go, please. Mr. Walker''sing back any minute."


    "Swallow, I can''t stop thinking about you," Devin blurted out, grabbing her hand. "Ever since that night-I just can''t help it."


    "Devin, stop!" Autumn yanked her hand away, ncing around in panic. "What are you doing? This is a hospital! If Mr. Walker sees this, we''re both finished."


    She tried to pull away, but Devin held on, and for a moment they struggled awkwardly.


    Then, Mr. Walker''s voice cut through the tension. "Swallow, I have your results..."


    Autumn froze. She finally managed to break free, scooting away from Devin, face flushed with guilt and fear.


    Mr. Walker walked over, smiling, totally unaware of the drama. "Swallow, who''s this?"


    He looked at Devin, trying to ce the face. He''d heard of Devin, but never actually met him in person.


    "Mr. Walker, hi, I''m Devin," Devin said, sticking out his hand with practiced charm.


    Recognition flickered across Mr.


    Walker''s face, but he didn''t take the


    handshake. He wasn''t interested in


    getting involved with Devin,


    especially considering everything going on.


    He smiled politely. "Oh, you''re Swallow''s old ssmate. She''s mentioned you. Anyway, Autumn, I had the doctor look over your tests-nothing to worry about. Let''s get you home so you can rest."


    He ignored Devin''s handpletely.


    Devin let his hand drop, awkward and deted.


    "Let''s go," Autumn said quickly, practically bolting for the exit.


    But Devin called after her, "Hey, Swallow it''s been, what, over


    see


    twenty years? I''m really d to you and Mr. Walker so happy. How about we grab a coffee sometime? Catch up on old times?"