Chapter 314

• I hadn’t shared the full story during that meeting not because I was evasive, but because at the time, Viola had seemed genuinely content with her engagement to Adrian Warren.
• If I had outright stated that Adrian had shown interest in my financial portfolio during our separation, it would’ve only stirred unnecessary tension. Viola might’ve taken it as a personal attack, interpreting it as jealousy or an attempt to sabotage her engagement.
• Evelyn’s voice, steady but laced with quiet frustration, broke through my thoughts. “My daughter is… naïve. When Amelia Murray came to discuss the arrangement, Viola agreed without hesitation. It was a deal we couldn’t afford to refuse and I suspect you already understand why.”