The invitation arrived the following morning.
It was hand-delivered in a black envelope embossed with the Blackwood family crest in silver.
Elara accepted it from Nathan, who stood in the entrance hall with his usual composed expression.
"Mr. Blackwood asked me to give this to you."
She carefully opened the envelope.
Inside was a single elegant invitation.
The Blackwood Foundation Annual Charity Gala
Hosted at the prestigious Grand Monarch Hotel.
Attendance by invitation only.
Dress Code: Black Tie.
At the bottom of the card, one sentence had been written in Sebastian's neat handwriting.
You will accompany me. Be ready by seven.
Elara smiled despite herself.
No greeting.
No signature.
Just a simple instruction.
"It sounds like him," she murmured.
Nathan allowed himself the
