My eyes met Lucas Brooks' gaze in midair; he looked at me in astonishment, then slowly pulled out a meaningful smile.

I knew exactly why he was smiling.

He thought I was trying to imitate Amelia Rivers, dressing up to win Nathaniel Brooks' affection.

But he was wrong.

I dressed this way for him.

I smiled and mingled with the guests, accepting their compliments, while my mind couldn't help but wonder if the powerless Amelia Rivers had ever received such attention.

Alas, those days are gone.

Nathaniel Brooks looked at me with a complex expression, unsure of what face to show in response to this version of me.

I merely...