Catherine stared at Pearl in confusion, "Did Sean ever promise you this?"

"It was understood between us," Pearl said. "At least until you came along."

"Pearl I—" Catherine began.

"Shut up," Pearl said, her eyes flashing. "Suddenly, out of nowhere, Sean announced he was getting married. I was curious about the bride—I thought she'd have to be impressive to make him change his mind. I imagined she was a princess, maybe or the heir to a massive fortune. Or at the very least, I thought she must be a great beauty.

"So imagine my surprise when I saw you for the first time," Pearl spat. "You're a child from a...