The banquet hall blazed with light, tiers of crystal chandeliers glittering brightly overhead.
The McBride family was among the most prominent wealthy clans, and guests arrived right on time or even early, moving through the vast hall in steady streams.
As the granddaughter-in-law, Autumn was expected to greet every visitor with polite remarks, until her face felt stiff from smiling.
She finally made her way to the edge to rest, only for the room to suddenly grow noisy as all eyes turned toward the second floor.
Autumn looked up too.
Grandmother Bella was coming down. Though over eighty, she carried herself with great spirit, walking slowly with the help of staff.
Once she was seated at the main table, guests crowded around her like moths to a flame, offering their gifts.
"Happy ei
