Chapter 4

The annual Montgomery family gathering was always a tense affair, but this year it felt suffocating. I stood by the refreshment table, trying to appear engaged while my mind raced with thoughts of Grant's betrayal. The crystal chandelier cast prismatic light across the room, illuminating faces I'd known my entire life—faces that had never truly seen me.

"Rose," a honeyed voice called from behind me. "Aren't you going to congratulate me?"

I turned to find Mallory standing there, resplendent in a form-fitting emerald dress that accentuated her slender waist. Her blonde hair cascaded over one shoulder as she tilted her…