Vince's voice rang out clear and strong, instantly drawing every gaze in the ballroom.

Even Larkin looked up, his clouded eyes sharpening with interest.

For a few seconds, the room fell silent, the low hum of conversation vanishing as everyone took in the scene. Then, a curious voice piped up, "Whose daughter is that? I've never seen her before-she's stunning."

"Absolutely. She's got such grace, too. Do you think she's Vince's girlfriend?"

Sallie's face soured at once. "Would you all stop speculating?"

She might not care for Jessica herself, but that didn't mean she'd let anyone imply Jessica was attached to another man-Jessica was still Timothy's wife, after all.

Vince turned to Jessica, polite as ever. "Come with me, let's go greet my grandfather."

was something so familiar about her —an echo he couldn't place. It wasn't just because of her grandmother, though that thought did cross his mind. In the end, he shrugged it off.

dear," Larkin called,

face and, with a small nod, followed Vince across

a gentle, respectful curtsy before Larkin, then stepped aside, signaling to a servant to bring forward

spoke up for her. "Grandfather, this is the birthday present

Timothy entered the ballroom. He didn't come over right away, instead joining Mr. Smith near the far wall, the two

call Timothy had answered earlier had been from Mr. Smith; he and his mother had arrived at the manor earlier that afternoon, so Timothy had come in

presence, she seemed to quiet the very air around

curiosity lighting his face. "Tim, you and Vince are close-do you know if

in Mr.

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