章 191: Rumors and Ruin      

[EVE]

Heat rose in my cheeks as my mind spun in a whirlwind of confusion. Above all else, one question plagued me: was Cole in the audience? Had he seen the kiss?

He'd mentioned being busy today, clearing his schedule to make time for the remaining days. But even if he wasn't here, his bodyguards were. I could sense their presence, even if I couldn't see them.

And they would surely report everything back to Cole!

Wonderful. Just great.

I didn't know why Daniel had kissed my forehead—whether it was the heat of the moment or something driven by the scene—but whatever his reason, I'd have to deal with it later. Right now, my priority was clearing my name.

Before I could gather my thoughts, the group's energy shifted.

Lily stepped forward with her friends by her side. They exchanged a look before her gaze flicked toward me.