Elara spent the next twenty-four hours in self-imposed, volatile exile within the master suite. The fury she had suppressed crystallized into a cold, hard resolution. She had spent the day mentally rehearsing her polite resistance, running caustic comebacks through her mind like a mantra.At seven o’clock, she finally permitted the maid, Lily, to enter. Elara had chosen her battle uniform carefully. She refused the severe, dark colors Lily presented, instead selecting a gown she had brought with her: a simple, but flawlessly cut, deep forest green silk. It was rich enough to pass inspection, but the color was uncompromising, reflecting the raw, defiant hue of her eyes.Lily, visibly nervous, attempted to pin the copper mass of Elara’s hair into the smooth, severe style Silas had clearly dictated. "Mr. Vancewick prefers, if I may say, Miss, the hair to be completely managed, no loose ends."“Then Mr. Vancewick will continue to be disappointed,” Elara stated, her voice quiet and firm. S
Last Updated : 2025-11-17 Read more