Chapter 8: Author POV

Victoria Von adjusted her pearls, leaning back against the embroidered cushions of the conservatory terrace. The morning sun filtered beautifully through the glass, casting a serene glow over her porcelain tea set. Across the small marble table, her daughter, Beatrice, was lazily scrolling through her tablet, a smug smirk resting on her face.

"I still cannot believe Adrian allowed that gutter girl to stay under our roof for five years," Beatrice sneered, lifting her crystal glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. "Did you see the circus she caused at the financial club last night? Calling herself a Vancouve. It’s pathetic. She probably found some low-rent thugs...