Chapter 457

• I kept the guests engaged with polished charm, but behind the scenes, I quietly instructed Violet to monitor everyone closely especially those whose smiles didn’t quite reach their eyes.
• Violet’s gaze sharpened on two young women exchanging subtle, deliberate glances with Hazel throughout the evening. Curious, she made a note and slipped away to find Fiona, who was overseeing the event logistics.
• When Violet returned, she shared what she’d learned. “The woman in the yellow dress comes from Lady Ruth’s family, though I don’t know her name. The one in violet is Renee, from the late Lady Chloe’s family. She’s exceptionally talented and striking people say she rivals Queen Kylie’s brilliance. Queen Kylie once set the gold standard for power and influence in the capital.”