Every trust-fund prince inside flinched. Hudson Simmons shot to his feet, his voice laced with menace.
"Who the hell are you, barging in here screaming?"
"One phone call. That's all it takes, and you'll be at the bottom of Victoria Harbor feeding the fish."
The moment I heard how brazen he was, my own heartbreak didn't matter anymore. I stepped into the room and planted myself in front of Nora. "She's my friend. If you want to settle a score, Mr. Simmons, you can take it up with me."
Seeing me appear, Hudson went still for a beat. Then a slow, amused grin spread across his face, and he kicked Jesse's leg. "Hey, Jesse. What did I tell you? You've spoiled this woman so rotten she doesn't know her place anymore. You gonna handle this, or what?"
Every person in the room set down their drinks, their cards, their phones. All eyes turned to us, waiting for the show.
I looked straight at Jesse. I was waiting too.
A long silence passed before he finally lifted his head.
The lights in the room were dim. I couldn't make out his expression. All I heard was his voice, level and unhurried, without a trace of anger.
"This isn't a place for you."
"Addie, go home."