Chapter 5:The man behind the shares

I spent most of the morning studying Nathaniel Kingsley’s name.

The more I examined the documents, the more questions I had.

He was Adrian’s uncle, a senior shareholder in Kingsley Corporation, and one of the directors who had approved several major acquisitions over the past five years.

Yet his name had never appeared in the sections of the novel I remembered clearly.

That was inconvenient.

I had entered this world with the advantage of knowing the original storyline, but that advantage was beginning to feel less reliable. The novel had focused on Adrian, Isabella, and Seraphina’s obsession. It had barely explored the business dealings of the Kingsley family.

There were entire pieces of this world I knew nothing about.

I closed the documents and called Miriam.

“Have you found anything else about Nathaniel Kingsley?”

“Only that his investment company was involved in the restructuring of Vale Atelier.”

“Was he personally involved?”

“I can’t confirm that yet. His company has several subsidiaries, and the transaction was handled through one of them.”

“Can you investigate the ownership?”

“I can try. However, some of those records may require additional authorization.”

“Please proceed.”

I ended the call and looked at the clock.

The gala was tomorrow evening.

I needed to be careful about what I did there. Nathaniel might be involved in the company’s collapse, but confronting him without evidence would be foolish.

My goal was to observe, not expose myself.

A notification appeared on my phone.

Vivian had sent a message.

Are you still coming to the gala tomorrow?

I typed a brief reply.

Yes.

Her response came almost immediately.

Good. We should arrive together. I have something important to tell you.

I stared at the message.

Something important?

I considered asking what it was, but decided against it.

If Vivian wanted to tell me something, she could do so in person.

At lunchtime, I received an unexpected visitor.

Adrian’s mother, Eleanor Kingsley.

I had only seen her briefly in the original novel, but her reputation was clear. She was a woman who valued family status, appearances, and obedience.

Unfortunately, Seraphina had never been particularly successful at earning her approval.

When I entered the sitting room, Eleanor was seated on the sofa, examining the flowers on the table.

“Good afternoon, Mrs. Kingsley.”

She looked up.

“Seraphina.”

Her greeting was polite but distant.

I took the seat opposite her.

“I wasn’t expecting you.”

“I was in the area and decided to stop by.”

I nodded.

“Would you like some tea?”

“No, thank you.”

She placed her handbag beside her.

“I heard you’ve been making some unusual decisions lately.”

I resisted the urge to sigh.

Apparently, everyone had been discussing my behavior.

“Such as?”

“Refusing to visit Draven’s residence. Questioning your financial arrangements. And now, according to Adrian, you’ve become rather indifferent toward matters concerning his previous relationship.”

I stared at her.

“Has Adrian been discussing his personal affairs with you?”

“He’s my son.”

That explained enough.

Eleanor adjusted the bracelet on her wrist.

“Listen carefully, Seraphina. Your marriage is important to both families. Whatever disagreements you and Adrian have should remain private. I won’t tolerate another public embarrassment.”

I understood what she meant.

The original Seraphina had a reputation for jealousy and emotional outbursts. Eleanor probably expected me to cause trouble at the gala.

“I have no intention of embarrassing the family.”

“See that you don’t.”

Her eyes moved over my appearance.

“And I hope you’ve chosen something appropriate for tomorrow. The gala will be attended by important people.”

“I have.”

She stood.

“Good. Adrian has enough responsibilities without having to manage unnecessary problems at home.”

I remained seated.

“Mrs. Kingsley?”

She turned.

“Yes?”

“Have you ever considered that perhaps some of the problems in this marriage aren’t entirely my responsibility?”

Her expression cooled.

“Marriage requires compromise, Seraphina.”

“Then I hope both parties are prepared to make it.”

For a moment, she seemed unable to decide whether to respond.

Eventually, she picked up her handbag.

“I’ll see you tomorrow evening.”

After she left, I exhaled.

That conversation had confirmed something important.

The Kingsley family was comfortable judging Seraphina, but no one seemed particularly interested in understanding her.

It made me wonder how many people had contributed to her original downfall simply by refusing to question the version of events they had been given.

The following evening, I stood before the mirror while Lydia adjusted the back of my burgundy gown.

The dress was elegant without being excessive. Its fitted bodice complemented Seraphina’s figure, while the flowing skirt gave it a graceful silhouette.

I wore my hair in loose waves and chose simple gold earrings.

I didn’t want to attract attention.

Unfortunately, attending a charity gala as Adrian Kingsley’s wife made that almost impossible.

“You’re beautiful, my lady,” Lydia said.

“Thank you.”

She stepped back.

“His Majesty’s car has arrived.”

I picked up my clutch.

“Let’s go.”

Adrian was waiting downstairs.

He wore a black suit, a crisp white shirt, and a dark tie. His expression was as unreadable as ever.

His eyes moved over me briefly.

“You’re ready.”

“Clearly.”

He offered his arm.

I hesitated for half a second before accepting it.

We had a public image to maintain, and I wasn’t interested in creating another unnecessary issue.

During the drive, Adrian received several calls. I used the time to review the names of the guests I remembered from the novel.

Nathaniel Kingsley.

Isabella Laurent.

Several members of the business community.

And, most importantly, people connected to Vale Atelier.

I needed to recognize them.

“You’re unusually quiet,” Adrian remarked after ending another call.

“I’m enjoying the silence.”

He glanced at me.

“You’re not planning anything tonight, are you?”

I turned toward him.

“Do you always assume the worst of me?”

“Your past behavior gives me reasons to be cautious.”

I looked out of the window.

“Then perhaps tonight will give you a reason to reconsider.”

He didn’t respond.

The Kingsley Foundation gala was held in a magnificent hotel ballroom.

Crystal chandeliers illuminated the room, while enormous arrangements of white flowers decorated the tables. Guests moved between the dining area and the reception hall, exchanging greetings and discussing business.

The moment Adrian and I entered, several people approached us.

I smiled when necessary and remained beside him through the introductions.

Then I saw her.

Isabella Laurent stood near the far end of the ballroom, wearing an elegant white gown. Her dark hair fell over one shoulder, and she was speaking to an older woman.

She looked exactly as I remembered from the novel.

Beautiful.

Composed.

Almost impossibly graceful.

For a moment, I understood why the original Seraphina had felt threatened by her.

But I reminded myself that beauty and kindness were not the same thing.

I wasn’t here to judge Isabella.

I was here to observe.

“Adrian!”

Isabella noticed us and approached.

Her face brightened when she saw him.

“You’re here.”

“Of course,” Adrian replied.

His voice was noticeably softer than it had been during our drive.

Isabella’s gaze shifted toward me.

“Seraphina. You look lovely.”

“Thank you. So do you.”

She seemed surprised by my response.

Adrian looked between us, perhaps expecting something unpleasant.

I simply took a sip of water.

Isabella smiled again.

“It’s been a while. I hope you’re doing well.”

“I’m fine.”

There was no need for a long conversation.

A man approached and greeted Adrian, drawing his attention away.

I stepped aside to give them space.

That was when I noticed Nathaniel Kingsley standing near the entrance to the private reception area.

He was speaking to two businessmen, one of whom I recognized from the Vale Atelier documents.

My pulse quickened.

I couldn’t be certain, but I thought I recognized the second man as one of the company’s former shareholders.

I moved toward the drinks table, keeping them within sight.

Nathaniel laughed at something the man said before placing a hand on his shoulder.

Then he glanced in my direction.

Our eyes met.

His smile disappeared for the briefest moment.

It was subtle.

Almost nothing.

But I noticed.

He excused himself from the conversation and began walking toward me.

“Mrs. Kingsley,” he greeted warmly. “It’s been some time.”

I returned his smile.

“Uncle Nathaniel.”

He looked surprised.

“You’re looking well. I’ve heard you’ve been keeping busy.”

“Trying to.”

His eyes briefly moved to the glass in my hand.

“Enjoying the evening?”

“So far.”

He leaned slightly closer.

“Good. These events can be rather tiresome when people forget their place.”

I wasn’t sure whether the remark was directed at me.

Before I could respond, a waiter approached with a tray.

Nathaniel picked up a glass.

“Enjoy your evening, Seraphina.”

He walked away.

I watched him rejoin the two businessmen.

Then my attention returned to the man standing beside him.

He had noticed me watching.

Instead of looking away, he gave me a faint smile.

A moment later, he disappeared through the private reception doors.

I placed my glass on the table.

Something was happening behind those doors.

And I had a feeling it was connected to the company whose shares had been transferred three weeks before my wedding.

I was about to move closer when someone gently touched my arm.

I turned.

Isabella stood behind me.

“Seraphina, could we talk for a moment?”

I looked at her, then toward the private reception area.

The timing couldn’t have been worse.

“What about?”

Her expression became serious.

“It’s about your husband.”

I stiffened.

Before I could ask another question, she leaned closer and whispered:

“There’s something about Adrian’s family that I think you should know.”

And for the first time that evening, Isabella Laurent didn’t look like the innocent heroine I remembered from the novel.