Second Chance Cinderella. Carla Capshaw

our past association, don’t think you know me well enough to lecture me. What I do with Miss Ratner is my business. You know nothing about our arrangement.”

      “You’re right, except that I don’t know you at all. The Sam I knew was loving and kind. As far as I can tell, that Sam is nowhere to be found. It seems London’s made you rich, but it’s also made you heartless.”

      “Rich, yes, but heartless? You can’t blame London on that score,” he scoffed. “That honor belongs to you, nothing and no one else.”

      The clock chimed nine. From the corner of his eye he caught sight of Hodges ringing his hands. “Mr. Blackstone—”

      “It’s time, Hodges.” An agitated Amelia stood in the doorway. “What did I tell you about being prompt? Where has Mr. Blackstone gone? Oh, there you are, darli—”

      The word died as her eyes narrowed on Rose. “Why are you consorting with this...this housemaid?” she asked Sam.

      Ignoring the question, he stepped in front of Rose. “All seems to be ready. Hodges has outdone himself just as I suspected he would do. If you’re ready, let’s begin.”