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She would reach out to Grayson after the judging and see if he would still consider taking part in the South Shore If need be, she’d extricate herself from the project That would ive him less reason to take his business elsewhere

Annabelle stepped into the white-tented area and stopped Her gaze searched for one of the officials At last she spotted Mr Caruso

Shewith so, Lady Annabelle The festival is going along splendidly I was so happy to learn that you’re taking part in it this year As a representative of the royal family, it really helps relations with the citizens”

“And I was very happy to take part I had a lot of fun” Her thoughts momentarily strayed to Grayson It wouldn’t have been nearly as fun without him

“I hope you’ll be taking part in the community dinner as well as the masquerade ball”

“I’ll definitely be here for the dinner I wouldn’t miss it” Without Grayson around, it didn’t sound nearly as inviting, but she would not let the people down “As for the ball, I don’t think I’ll be able to attend”

“That’s a real shame, but we’re really pleased to have you here for the rest of it”

She forced a smile that she just didn’t feel at the moment This was the er be around and there was no one to blame for that but herself She’d driven him away

She laced her fingers together to keep fro I need to tell you I’m sorry that it’s last-minute, but Mr La—”

“Is right here”

The sound of Grayson’s voice made her heart skip a beat She spun around to find hi a few feet away The expression on his face was blank To say she was surprised by his appearance was an understate off for Italy

Regardless of why he’d stayed, she was happy to see him Very happy

But just as quickly, she realized that his presence probably had more to do with the South Shore Project and less to do hatever was going on between theht dampened her enthusiasm a bit

Annabelle sed hard “Grayson, what are you doing here?”

His brows drew together “Did you forget? I’es for today’s contests”