“You brought me here on purpose, didn’t you?”

William’s voice was sharp as he stood at the entrance of the Hartford family’s grand dining room, eyes locked on his father, who was welcoming guests with a formal smile.

Alexander turned slowly.

“Not a trap. Just an invitation. And you came, didn’t you?”

William rolled his eyes but still stepped into the room. And there she was—Eva, seated gracefully at Alexander’s right, dressed in a maroon gown with flawless makeup. Her smile was soft, yet behind it, William sensed a calculated presence.

His mother, Lady Mireya, sat at the far end of the table. Her face was stiff, though her eyes...