The next morning, the sterling estate was occupied with activities. Preparations were done for an exclusive business dinner hosted by Margaret to appease the board members and silence any lingering doubts about Cyrus’s leadership. Camilla, however, had been left in the dark until a maid knocked on the, informing her of the evening's event.

Camilla's lips pressed into a deep thin line as she stared at the array of gowns the maid had brought into the room. She wasn't a fan of being dressed like a doll for appearances, but she knew better than to fight against the sterling expectations. Her role was clear, smile, nod and act like the...