Chapter 3

At seven in the morning, the carriages of Ashcroft Manor were already prepared. It was Benjamin Ashcroft's sixtieth birthday, and the entire household made its way to the Grand Hall for the celebration.

I wore a gown of pale ivory, elegant yet understated, its hem delicately embroidered with silver-threaded lilies. In my hair, I placed only a single pearl pin.

The look was graceful, serene, untouched by the world's noise.

Molly smoothed the fabric of my dress, her expression worried. "My lady, your attire is rather simple today.

"The party will be full of society women dressed in their finest. Won't you fade into the background?"

I offered a faint smile. "I'm not the one on display today. I'll be perfectly content as an observer."

Molly still looked puzzled, but I didn't elaborate.

By the time we reached the yard, Casper and Vivian were already waiting.

Casper was dressed in finely tailored evening wear, every inch the polished gentleman, though faint shadows lingered beneath his eyes, and an edge of restlessness sharpened his manner.

Vivian, in contrast, wore a vibrant rose-pink gown, clearly dressed to be seen.

Her makeup was carefully applied, and failed to hide the flush of unnatural excitement on her face.

When she spotted me, she hurried over and took my hands with practiced affection. "Isabelle, you look so well this morning.

"Not like me. I hardly slept last night. Some strange scent in the air left me lightheaded and tired."

Her words were a careful probe, wrapped in false concern.

She was so transparent. My expression remained composed. "Is that so? What a shame.

"That candle was something Casper specially acquired for me. It's meant to be deeply calming.

"I suppose some constitutions are too delicate for such fortifying blends."

I withdrew my hands gently, my tone cool and detached.

Vivian's smile stiffened almost imperceptibly.

Casper approached, frowning at me. "Why do you speak to Vivian so rudely?"

I met his gaze evenly. "Have I said something inappropriate, dear?

"Vivian isn't feeling well, and I expressed sympathy. Is that now a crime?"

My eyes held his, calm and unreadable.

For a moment, Casper seemed taken aback, as if seeing me clearly for the first time. Something felt different, though he couldn't name it.

Shaking off the thought, he motioned toward the carriage. "Let's not keep everyone waiting."

The carriage rode towards the main hall.

Vivian chattered with nervous energy, while Casper rubbed his temples repeatedly, as though warding off a stubborn headache.

I sat quietly, watching them with detached interest.

The effects were setting in faster than I'd expected.

Back in my previous life, it took the following afternoon for the effects of one dose to surface fully.

They'd breathed in twice that, all through the night. That they could still maintain this composure was a testament to their stubbornness, but not for much longer.

The party was held in Ashcroft Manor's most opulent space, the Hall of Opulence. By the time we entered, it was filled with the city's elite, voices humming like a stirred hive.

Benjamin sat at the head table, glowing with vitality.

Our family approached to offer birthday wishes.

Casper and Vivian wore tight, strained smiles, their movements growing increasingly rigid.

Casper's eyes strayed again and again toward the young serving maids, as if pulled against his will.

Vivian shifted restlessly in her seat, her gaze lingering on the broad-shouldered guards stationed along the walls, a wild, hungry light flickering in her eyes.

A cold anticipation settled in my chest. Perfect. The performance was about to begin.

After paying our respects, we returned to our seats near the front, a privileged position with an unobstructed view of the hall.

I lifted my cup, blew softly across the surface, and let my gaze drift toward Casper and Vivian beside me.

Their breathing had grown shallow and rapid, their cheeks flushed as if scorched by an invisible sun.

The fire inside them was burning through the last threads of their control.

I set my cup down, the ghost of a smile touching my lips.

Very well then. Let the distinguished guests enjoy the show.

Let them see exactly what kind of man the future heir of Ashcroft was and what kind of virtue his cherished sister-in-law truly embodies.