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“You keep saying you know him. You know his type. You know who belongs in his circle. You know who he should bring to parties. You know who he should take home.”

I take one step closer.

“So how well do you know Mitchell?”

A flush creeps up her neck. Interesting.

“We've known each other for years.”

“That's not what I asked.”

Her eyes narrow.

“Don't be vulgar.”

“I wasn't. But your mind certainly got there quickly.”

The man nearby coughs into his fist. Celeste shoots him a murderous look. Oh, she really doesn't like losing her audience.

“I don't need to justify my relationship with Mitchell Knight to you.”

“Funny. You seem pretty determined to make me justify mine.”

“We don't even know that you have one.”

“And how do we know you have one?”

Her face tightens. Bullseye.

“You think because he brought you to one gala that you're suddenly important?”

“I never said I was important, Miss Turner.”

“You're certainly acting like it.”

“No. I'm acting like a woman eating tiny, overpriced food who got ambushed by a stranger with a bizarre interest in my date.”

Her mouth pinches.

“Your date?”

“Yes. You seem familiar with the concept.”

A laugh comes from somewhere behind her.

Celeste hears it. Her cheeks flush.

“You know what I think. I don’t think you came here with anyone least of all Mitchell Knight! You-you snuck in!”

The accusation comes louder this time. Heads turn.

“Believe whatever you want.”

“You’re just some gold digger, looking for a meal ticket!”

Her eyes drop pointedly to my dress.

“Maybe that's your game.”