Third-Person POV:
At 6:30 that evening, the Ashford estate blazed with light. Aster City high society had gathered for the dance, along with prominent political figures.
Marianne Calder had described the dance as a celebration of her biological daughter's return and a chance to clear the way for the Ashford heir's marriage.
But upstairs, she opened Elara's bedroom door and found an empty wardrobe and the Ashford family supplementary card laid neatly on the desk. Panic seized her.
"Where's Elara? The dance is about to start, and she hasn't even changed into her dress. Where has she gone?"
Marina hurried upstairs, lifting her skirt, and could barely hide her delight at the spectacle.
"Mom, maybe Elara was afraid I'd steal the spotlight, so she threw a tantrum and ran away. If the elder
