19 Chapter 19 – A Question of Authenticity.  I nodded, unable to contradict her when she looked so earnest.  “Me?” I shot back. “You think I orchestrated this?”  Arthur’s face…

18 Chapter 18 – A Tale of Two Granddaughters  18 Chapter 18 – A Tale of Two Granddaughters  “Change of plans,” he said. “I spoke with Dr. Chen last night…

17 Chapter 17 – The Matriarch’s Judgment  “I’ll be there,” I promised. “This marriage mystery needs to be solved.”  “Honesty,” he repeated with a cold laugh. “Like your honesty about…

16 Chapter 16 – The Master’s Invitation  16 Chapter 16 – The Master’s Invitation  Caleb’s expression hardened. “Still can’t take no for an answer, can you? I made myself perfectly…

15 Chapter 15 – Crisis at the Gates  His pupils contracted in shock. The cold mask slipped, revealing raw alarm.  I ignored the jab, focusing instead on Mrs. Sterling, whose…

14 Chapter 14 – A Game of Cat and Mouse  “This is ridiculous,” I protested. “I have legitimate business-” @  “No unauthorized calls,” he said flatly. “You’ll need to reschedule…

13 Chapter 13 – A Gift for the Woman They Scorned  “That’s not your concern,” I replied evenly.  I turned to walk away, but he grabbed my arm. “Listen to…

12 Chapter 12 – A Grandmother’s Wish and a Rival’s  Scorn  “Wait,” he suddenly interrupted himself, peering more closely at the old woman. “Mrs. Sterling? Eleanor Sterling? Of the Sterling…

11 Chapter 11 An Insult. A Reinction and A Knock on the Door  11 Chapter 11 – An Insult, A Rejection, and A Knock on the  Door  “Excuse me,” I…

10 Chapter 10 – An Unexpected Invitation  Arthur: I find our conversations… refreshing. A break from the pretense I deal with daily,  As the guards escorted me out through the…