Alice’s POV“Miss, your father is asking of you. The party is about to start.”The maid’s voice drifts in from outside my door, but I barely hear her. My mind is still tangled in the quiet, tense conversation Victor and Dad had earlier....the one they deliberately kept from me. Whatever it is, it’s important… important enough to shut me out.Fine.If they think I’ll just sit back and smile cluelessly, they’re wrong.I smooth my expression, forcing the anger down. I need to act normal… play along. That’s the only way I’ll find out what they’re hiding.“Miss?” the voice calls again, louder this time.“Okay, I’m coming,” I reply, my tone steady despite the storm inside me.I reluctantly get dressed, slipping into my outfit with slow, careful movements. I take my time with my makeup, blending every detail to perfection.... if I’m going to face a crowd, I’ll do it on my terms. When I finally stand before the mirror, I pause.For a moment, I just stare.Beautiful. Composed. Untou
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