The negotiations had been surprisingly easy, and the price they offered was generous though that wasn''t what really mattered.


    Money wasn''t what shecked these days.


    What she needed was recognition, a name that carried weight in the world of art and design.


    Thismission, with its high-profile client and the freedom to create in her own style, could change everything. If it worked out—and with the royal wedding about to be broadcast to the world''s elite-her status would soar overnight.


    Once it was done,


    she could finally strike out on her own.


    The thought lit up M''s face, her delicate features radiant with excitement. Her throat was still sore, so she resisted the urge to hum, but she couldn''t help breaking into an impromptu little dance, her dress swirling as she glided out of the studio like a sprite beneath the moonlight.


    The hallway outside was quiet.


    Adrian Montgomery had already gone back to university for sses tomorrow, leaving the house empty for the night. M drifted aimlessly through the softly lit rooms, her spirits high as she admired the flowers in the courtyard, watered them, then wandered into the collection room to admire the priceless paintings and intricate antiques she and her great-aunt had acquired over the years. That''s when she stumbled across something unexpected.


    She absentmindedly opened an old wooden trunk, and insidey a familiar wedding gown.


    Carefully, she lifted it out-a couture dress adorned with gleaming jewels and embroidered roses. It took only a second for her to recognize it: Moonblush Roses.


    Memories came flooding back.


    She remembered this custom gown. Years ago, Lysander Montgomery hadmissioned Jade Suthend to create it for Giselle Harvey, but used M''s name. With her great-aunt''s reputation adding to its cachet, the gown was valued at over three million dors.


    In the end, Jade had taken the dress back.


    M had never seen it again and assumed her great-aunt had quietly disposed of it. But here it was, sealed away in a trunk. Most likely, her great-aunt couldn''t bear to part with it, having poured so much effort and love into what she thought was M''s wedding dress, even if the truth hurt.


    She gazed at the shimmering gown in themplight, and had to admit her great- aunt''s craftsmanship was truly masterful. With a calm expression, M returned the dress to the trunk.


    She closed the lid.


    Turned off the lights in the collection room and went to bed.


    She sleptte. With nopany matters to worry abouttely, it was a rare chance to indulge in azy morning. But the phone woke her early. Half-asleep, she answered.


    "Mom, why didn''t youe home this weekend? I''m heading to school today- aren''t you taking me?" Adrian''s chatter crackled through the receiver.


    "I..." She tried to reply, but her voice came out hoarse.


    "Are you feeling sick, Mom?" Adrian picked up on it right away.


    "My throat''s just sore.” It was still ufortable to speak, but she managed a brief exnation and told him she wouldn''t be able to drive him to school for the next few days, so he should go with the driver as usual.


    She could have taken him, but M didn''t want Adrian to see the bruises on her


    neck and start asking questions. Knowing her son, he''d throw a fit.


    Best to wait until she''d healed.


    "Okay."


    Adrian sounded disappointed, but with his mother not feeling well, he didn''t argue.


    Outside the house, Adrian trudged out with his backpack, less than cheerful. But as he climbed into the car, he realized Leonard was in the driver''s seat. He perked up-then frowned in confusion. “Leonard, aren''t you supposed to be with Mom?"


    Leonard had always been by her side.


    "Your mother''s resting at home, and I happened to be free," Leonard replied, starting the car with his usualposure. "So I''ll drive you today."


    That, at least, made Adrian happy.


    But when the car pulled up to the school gate and Adrian hopped out, chattering away to Leonard, he suddenly fell silent. His gaze shifted past Leonard''s shoulder and fixed on something behind him, eyes clouding.


    Leonard nced back too, his expression tightening.


    Another car had pulled up behind them. Sophia Pembroke stepped out, holding a child by the hand. The boy kept his head down, face hidden, but Sophia-spotting them-shed a bright red-lipped smile and tugged the boy over.


    "What a coincidence. Julian, look who it is," Sophia said, squeezing the hand of the silent child.


    Julian Pembroke finally looked up, hisplexion pale. His eyesnded on Adrian, and after a moment, some emotion flickered in their depths. He managed a hesitant smile.


    "Adrian?"


    He remembered Adrian-they used to go to school together, were even friends once. But he couldn''t recall thest time they''d seen each other, or how Adrian had thrown a te at him in a fit of rage.


    But Adrian remembered.


    This liar-pretending to be his friend, and then stealing his mother... Adrian''s eyes burned with open loathing. He balled his fists, ready to rush forward, but Leonard held him back.


    With his small frame, Adrian couldn''t break free, so he turned a furious re on Leonard. Before he could protest, Leonard calmly addressed Sophia "If everything''s settled, why don''t you take the child to ss first? I''ll be along in a moment."


    Sophia nced at the fuming Adrian, lips curving into a satisfied smile. "Of course."


    She led Julian toward the school. It was his first day, so naturally she wanted to escort him herself. Strangely, after all his protestsst night about not wanting toe, Julian was suddenly docile, offering no resistance.


    Sophia smiled, clearly pleased.