It was the lady he had seen earlier.
The one who had snuck behind the other guests and did not show up while the Vales disgraced themselves earlier.
“You are?” Richard echoed, a slight frown marring his brows.
“Yes, Chairman Cross. I am Seraphina Vale,” she said calmly, in that melodic tone again.
“Seraphina? Oh, she is the one?!”
“You know her?”
“I thought Lady Vivian was the Vale heiress.”
“No, she is the adopted daughter. Madam had her before marrying Mr Vale. Seraphina is the trueborn of Mr Vale and his late wife.”
“Oh, I remember now. Nobody sees her, though. I just sort of… forgot her.”
The whispers rose and dipped in crescendo as guests who were further back moved closer to get a better look at her.
In the midst of it all, Seraphina Vale stood regal and tall, with her back
