in an elegant ballroom, transforming into a refinement tableau. Cascading floral arrangements of lil

a young heiress. Her chestnut curls fall in soft waves around her shoulders, framing an innocent face adorned with a

rooms. Instead, her gaze lands on Charles Harrington, impeccably attired in a tailored suit that oozes refinement. His dark, smolderi

s movements are smooth and deliberate as he weaves through

ce carrying across the room like velve

of spending the evening in Charles's company. She offers a delicate nod in respon

his voice echoing with practiced charm. "Though I must say, t

forcing herself to maintain a polite interest. "Thank you, Mr. Harr

marble floors. "But the night has just begun. How can it be eventful yet?" A sly smile plays at the corners of his lips as he leans closer to Sa

ile, her fingers curling nervously around the delicate stem of her champagne flute. "I suppose there's st

s through the air, throwing her a much-needed lifeline, "Ah, Ed

e, oblivious to the undercurrents swirling between his daughter

sponse, though the gleam in his e

gering on Sadie's curves for a moment longer than necessar

sly across the room as he announces, "Shall we adjourn to the garden for dinner

ng pathways lined with intricately manicured hedges and vibrant bursts of colorful blooms of magnolias and roses. Decorations adorn every corner, from the elaborate marble fountains to delicate lace tablecloths draped over tab

seat, Sadie finds herself seated beside Charles

stands that her father wants her to find an attraction with Charles, and of course,

le, Sadie grows increasingly restless. Her eyes continue to search for more of Elise's elusive figure amidst the glittering cr

s, her discomfort palpable beneath the surface of social grace. Ever the consummate suitor, Charles pepper

offensive. Despite her best efforts to maintain an air of polite civility, her di

's unease or uncaring, softly brus

diant this evening," Charles purrs. "A vi

ile, her eyes flickering as sh

gritted teeth, her voice strained with for

ifferent about you tonight. It is, dare I say," Charles tilts very close to Sadie and whispers, "something forbidden." A

s to the city, brought with them the air of newfound wealth, their fortunes made through a brilliant company buyout that catapulted them into the realm

ads, reaping both financial and social dividends. His unwavering status and impeccable reputation cast a l

ing a hand of friendship that shocked many traditional families of old money. However, Sadie never gave much thought to the notions of di

eck on something in the kitchen. As she stands, Charles stands as well. "Please let m

epts Charles's reques

res, "This will be fine, Charles. I thin

die to a gazebo near the side of the garden. It is seclude

," Charles says as the t

," Sadie ec

ns, his voice rough and stern,

n as she processes his words. "A

dea of us marrying

face Charles, her expression a mix of disbelief and anger. "My father approa

seen him have. "Yes, and I must admit, I find myself considering the

her make such a decision without even consulting her? The realization leaves

aw, sending an electric charge down her spine. His touch lingers just a moment too long, his eyes

ing in her throat at the intensity of his stare. His words hang in the air, hea

together, don't you agree?" Charles

pounding as she struggles to find her voice. "I... I do not know what to think

against Sadie's in a daring gesture. Instinctively, Sadie pushes him away,

le playing at the corners of his

e says, his voice dripping with confide

ppears into the crowd, leaving Sadie to wrestle