The front courtyard of the sprawling villa was eerily desolate, entirely devoid of the bustling, joyous atmosphere Jace had expected.
Several servants were perched on ladders, physically tearing down the floral arches and silk ribbons, while others were rolling up the massive crimson red carpet at the entrance.
Jace thought his eyes were playing a sick trick on him. He rubbed them hard and double-checked the address plaque on the gate.
The second he confirmed he was at the right house, absolute panic seized him. He practically threw himself off the white stallion and sprinted furiously into the villa.
"What the f**k are you people doing? Do you not know what day it is? Who the hell ordered you to tear everything down? Stop what you're doing right now!"
Jace roared, and his face c
