But he was powerless to act, no longer having any claim on Claudia.

A wave of frustration and despair washed over him, his face blanched. He yearned to leave, but as he turned to go, he was intercepted by Kristy.

“Mr. Nixon," she addressed him. Anthony responded with a curt nod, “Miss Murray."

Kristy sipped her red wine, her gaze following Claudia. "Miss Marshall truly stands out tonight.”

Anthony responded only by emptying his wine glass.