The morning was bright and clear.

Inside the Carter estate, Grandma Carter was already awake. She had risen before the sun.

She walked slowly but firmly, her cane tapping on the shiny marble floor.

Behind her, the staff hurried. They cleaned. They dusted. They arranged the great hall.

Everything had to be ready for the meeting.

“Make sure the tables shine,” she instructed one maid.

“Move those flowers a little to the left,” she told another.

The maids and butlers nodded quickly and obeyed every word.

She wanted everything perfect. The Denovan family was coming, and this was not just any visit. They were the richest family in the city,...