Chapter 4

I was sorting through a pile of mail in my study when a glossy catalog caught my eye. "Blackwell's Annual Fine Jewelry Auction," read the embossed cover. I nearly tossed it aside—another charity event William would expect me to attend—when something made me pause.

Flipping through the pages, my breath caught in my throat.

There it was—my grandmother's ruby necklace. The antique piece with the teardrop pendant that she'd pressed into my hands on her deathbed.

"This has been in our family for generations, Samantha," she'd whispered. "It belongs to you now. Promise me you'll keep it safe."

The photograph…