Chapter 4

Corvo Manor.

The Bertoni family's little princess was making her debut today, and the biggest names in high society had all turned out for the occasion, including members of the oldest noble families.

My mother and Adrian walked on either side of Jennifer like knights guarding a princess.

Adrian introduced Jennifer to the guests while my mother chatted away with the other aristocrats her age. Even during those conversations, she kept bringing up Jennifer.

Not one person remembered me.

The butler led me to a seat right next to the restrooms.

"Miss Eloise, this is your seat."

As if expecting me to object, he quickly added, "Mr. Bertoni arranged it himself. It's a big day, so please don't upset him."

Then he hurried off, as if afraid I'd lose my temper with him.

I looked at the completely empty table in front of me. The whole party felt pretty dull.

Meanwhile, Jennifer stood at the center of the party.

In her burgundy gown, she looked as dazzling as a rose in full bloom.

The pearls in her necklace, earrings, and bracelet glowed softly.

All the other girls her age were crowded around her.

"Jennifer, this gown is so pretty. Who designed it?"

Before Jennifer could answer, someone shrieked, "Jennifer, are those the pearls that sold for 80 million at auction three years ago?"

"I can't believe your family bid anonymously. You're all so low-key."

Jennifer just smiled.

"I can't remember. My family gives me so much stuff."

She didn't confirm how much the pearls were worth. But that one little "I can't remember" was enough to show how much her family spoiled her. They gave her so many gifts that she'd lost count.

Just then, Bryce came up beside Jennifer, took the glass of red wine out of her hand as he always did, and smiled.

"Jennifer doesn't handle alcohol well. I'll drink it for her."

That set off another round of gasps.

The girls all looked at her with envy.

But not everyone was happy for her.

Watching the two of them together, some of the girls could barely hide their jealousy. A few started whispering among themselves.

"She's just a fake heiress. What's she so smug about?"

"Where's the Bertoni family's real daughter, anyway?"

They looked around and spotted me at the very edge of the room.

"Jennifer, who's that over there? Why would anyone show up at your debut without even wearing a gown?"

Jennifer followed their gaze and saw me.

I raised an eyebrow and lifted my glass to her from across the room.

Her smile froze for a split second. Then she turned back to them and said quietly, "She's the daughter of one of our servants. She begged Mom for ages to let her come, and Mom's too soft-hearted to say no."

The girls frowned.

"A servant's daughter thinks she belongs at a party with us?"

"Jennifer, how could you agree to something so ridiculous? This is your debut."

"Have someone throw her out already. If people find out we ate with lowlifes like her, it'll be humiliating!"

The words were barely out of her mouth when the manor's front doors swung open.

The butler pushed the doors wide and gave the new arrivals a deep, formal bow.

"Please, come in."

The whole manor, buzzing with conversation a moment ago, fell quiet all at once as every head turned toward the doors.

After all, having the Bertoni family's butler personally greet a guest was no small gesture.

None of the guests who had arrived so far had received that kind of respect from him.

The butler cleared his throat.

"Please welcome His Grace, the Duke of Kennedy, and renowned financier James Percival."

The room erupted in shocked murmurs. Everyone stared in disbelief.

Both men stood at the pinnacle of power and wealth.

One was a duke respected even by the royal family; the other, one of the world's most powerful financiers. Either man's presence would have caused a stir. Seeing them arrive together was almost unheard of.

Adrian was thrilled.

For a mafia family like the Bertonis, danger was a way of life.

Adrian had long wanted to take the family legitimate. If he could strike a deal with either of these men, that goal would finally be within reach.

"Jennifer, how do you know these two?"

"Never mind. Quick, come with me."

He couldn't wait. He pulled Jennifer into the crowd, pushing his way toward Hugo and James.

Bryce hurried after them.

The crowd had the two men almost completely boxed in. If anyone managed even a brief exchange with either man, they'd have bragging rights for years.

I stayed right where I was and didn't move an inch.

Hugo looked cool and aloof, carrying the effortless authority of a man accustomed to power.

James had a sharp, commanding presence, his expression tinged with casual arrogance.

Neither man paid any attention to the aristocrats fawning over them.

Adrian shoved his way through the crowd, not caring how it looked, and finally made it to them.

"Your Grace, Mr. Percival, it's an honor. I'm Jennifer's brother and the Bertoni family's underboss. Thank you so much for coming to my sister's debut."

Hugo looked at him and frowned.

James scoffed and walked right past him without stopping, his eyes searching the room.

Adrian hadn't expected that. For a moment, he forgot what he'd been about to say.

Jennifer blushed and said softly, "Your Grace, Mr. Percival, I'm Jennifer Bertoni. I never imagined you'd come all this way for my debut. I'm truly honored."

Hugo's gaze fell on Jennifer. The moment he saw her gown, his expression turned cold.

James's eyes widened. Ignoring every rule of etiquette, he grabbed Jennifer, pulled her closer for a look, then shoved her aside.

A murderous chill seemed to roll off both men. The guests who'd been fawning over them shuddered and quickly moved aside.

The two most powerful men in the country crossed the room and headed straight for its most unremarkable corner.

Without the slightest hesitation, they walked toward me, the girl Jennifer had called "a servant's daughter."

As Hugo and James drew closer, every eye in the room followed them and landed on the very person everyone had wanted to throw out.

Adrian froze.

Bryce, who'd been about to step forward, stopped short.

Jennifer stared, wide-eyed, like she couldn't believe it.

Crash.

The wine glass slipped from my mother's hand and shattered on the floor.

But no one even looked at her.

I leaned back in my chair, idly twirling a fountain pen in my fingers.

Then I heard hurried footsteps.

James ran up to me.

The moment he saw me, all that menace vanished. His face broke into a huge smile.

"Eloise! My little sister! I've finally found you!"