Vince rose slowly and walked over to stand beside Jessica.


    The pale gold evening gown hugged her figure perfectly, making her skin look even more luminous and her curves more defined. Her long hair was loosely pinned up, revealing the elegant line of her neck. The grace she carried herself with could easily rival any heiress from the city''s most prominent families.


    Jessica had never dressed up so meticulously before. She clutched her phone and typed out a message: "Do I look too shy in this?"


    After marrying Timothy, she''d taken private lessons in etiquette, not wanting to embarrass him at some future social event. She had hoped that, one day, she''d stand by his side in public, holding her own. But it turned out there was never any need-Timothy had never once invited her to any function, let alone a g like


    this.


    This was her first proper event, and as she looked around, she realized how different reality was from her lessons. The borate dress felt foreign, and she couldn''t quite shake her difort.


    Vince was quick to reassure her. "You''re being modest. Wait till you see the other women at the party-now, that''s shy."


    After all, banquets like these were as much about socializing as they were about women showing off their style.


    Vince, for his part, had exercised caution. Since Jessica was Timothy''s wife, he''d chosen her dress carefully—ace gown with wide straps, her bare shoulders wrapped in matching fabric, the neckline a soft V, and just a hint of backless design. It was elegant, tasteful, and undeniably alluring-perfectlyplementing her looks and her quiet confidence.


    Jessica knew the unspoken rules: single women dressed to dazzle, while married women always aimed to honor their husbands, each one as beautiful as a painting. Her own look, she thought, struck a nice bnce-nothing too bold, nothing to be anxious about.


    What she didn''t realize was just how striking she truly was. A little effort, and she was enough to turn every head in the room.


    Vince nced at his watch. "It''s about time. Let''s head out."


    As they left, Jessica sent a message to the art shop owner to arrange for a


    delivery. There was still enough time for Larkin''s birthday gift to arrive.


    Their car pulled into the grounds of Zimmerman Manor.


    The parking area was already crowded with cars. Judging by the turnout, the guest list was


    impressive. The grand house had its


    own dedicated banquet hall—just another testament to the


    Οι


    Zimmerman family''s wealth and influence.


    The entire estate, though not quite as massive as the Lawson Mansion, was still one of the most impressive in all of Riverside City. The


    architecture had a ssic charel ne


    hinting at Larkin''s fondness for tradition and old-world values.


    Cóntent


    A man like that, Jessica thought, would probably be kinder, more approachable—


    certainly easier to get along with than the Lawson patriarch.


    Vince and Timothy had their differences, but they''d grown up together. And since Jessica was Timothy''s wife, Vince made a point to treat her with extra courtesy opening the car door for her dike a perfect gentleman.


    Just then, a shy red convertible pulled up alongside them.


    Sallie Lawson stepped out, draped in a white fur stole over a deep red evening dress. Her lips were painted a striking shade of crimson.


    "Well, Vince," she teased, "who''s your plus-one for Larkin''s birthday party?"


    As soon as she finished speaking, Jessica emerged from the car.


    Sallie almost didn''t recognize her. She stared for a moment, her expression darkening as realization hit.


    Vince gave her a polite smile. "This is your sister-inw."


    Sallie strode over, her face cold. She pulled Jessica aside, lowering her voice to a harsh whisper. “What are you doing here? Do you really think you belong at a ce like this?"