At Jade Villa, Genevieve sat hunched over the freshly cataloged wedding gifts, her pen scratching across item after item.
The collection boasted impressive pieces, yet she struck through anything that looked dated or unsuitable for the upcoming nuptials.
"Replace everything I've marked," Genevieve commanded Mildred sharply. "Only the finest quality will do."
I won't let the Thorne family sneer at Ivy. She's going there to thrive, not grovel. These gifts will be her armor in that house.
Mildred's brow creased with worry. "Madam, our storerooms aren't bottomless. We'll need reserves for future occasions. If we drain everything for Lady Ivy's dowry, what happens next?"
This madness has gone too far, Mildred brooded silently. Who showers an adopted daughter with such extravagance? Lady Bella shares her blood, yet gets scraps in comparison. The favoritism disgusts me.
Bella's name alone sent a familiar ache through Genevieve's chest.
