A faint, elusive smile touched the corners of the woman''s lips.


    She was dressed simply but with unmistakable taste-a crisp white blouse, perfectly tailored, paired with a dark, flowing skirt.


    Her long hair was loosely gathered at the nape of her neck, a few strands slipping free to frame her face and lend her an air of effortless elegance.


    Every movement radiated a quiet confidence and grace-never ostentatious, always just right.


    The young man spoke. "Father''s heard about her too. From what I gather, he''s actually thinking about bringing Raven back into the Williams family. One way or another, she''s caught his attention."


    Lately, Ste had be the talk of Novaris, her name on everyone''s lips. Even the Williams family, all the way in Solmaris, couldn''t help but hear whispers about her.


    Aurora Williams asked, "What does Israel think about all this?"


    He replied, “If she keeps her head down and doesn''t cause trouble, bringing her back is hardly more than setting one extra ce at the table. But after seeing herst time, I doubt she''ll be content to fade quietly into the background."


    His handsome face remained impassive, as if they were discussing a stranger- no anger, no mockery, not even a flicker of emotion. Just a bottomless indifference.


    Aurora''s tone was calm and gentle, soothing as a stream. "Raven''s been away so long, I''m sure she''s realized her mistakes by now. She''s always been Father''s concern. We should bring her home."


    "But..." He hesitated, ncing at her. "If she returns, she''ll only make things difficult for you."


    Aurora shook her head lightly. "I was too young, too impulsive back then. It was just an engagement-if she wants him, she can have him."


    She paused, her voice softening further. "Besides, he was her fiancé to begin with."


    His brow furrowed. "But you were the one who grew up with Sherman Burton, and he''s always cared for you."


    "Coleman." Setting her teacup aside, Aurora''s voice was steady. "I''ve only ever seen Sherman as an older brother."


    "You might foot everyone else, but


    not me." Coleman Williams looked at her, and for once, his cool gaze softened with a touch of warmth. "You used to go on and on about marrying Sherman when you were little."


    Aurora could onlyugh quietly. "Coleman, that was just childish talk. It means nothing now."


    Letting the matter drop, Coleman continued, "Either way, Sherman isn''t good enough for you anymore."


    Aurora was the leading debutante in high society beautiful, intelligent, the very picture of grace. She was the darling of the elite, the dream of everywell-bred young man, and wherever she went, she drew admiring nces. She was, in every sense, a living standard-a model of poise and charm, a walking textbook of refined manners.


    Like her name, she was the dawn-radiant and dazzling.


    Mention Aurora, and you''d find no shortage of admirers. She was the pride of the Williams family.


    Coleman went on, "You''ve always been top of your ss, a born schr. You could''ve gone straight into The Williams Group. But for some reason, Father insisted you study the arts."


    Aurora had always been an academic star-no one could outscore her, not ever. She possessed a rare, almost uncanny talent for the sciences.


    Yet Skyler Williams, believing there was no need for a girl to work so hard or push herself so much, insisted Aurora pursue music and the arts instead.


    When it came time for college applications, Aurora''s homeroom teacher even met with Skyler, hoping to get her into a top technical university, to let her talent benefit society. Skyler, however, turned him down without a second thought.