“Annabelle, I know we’re already late for Grandfather’s place, but I think we should stop by the showroom first. You need a dress for tonight. I mean, you’re already stunning—don’t get me wrong—but I think you could outshine even yourself. What do you think?” Derek’s voice was smooth, almost too casual, as the car hummed along the winding road toward Grandfather Morano’s estate. His sunglasses hid his eyes, as always, but his head tilted slightly in her direction, like he was listening for her reaction.
Annabelle glanced down at her outfit—a borrowed casual dress from Flavia’s closet, something she’d thrown on in a hurry. It was far from what anyone would wear to Grandfather Morano’s formal gatherings. She smirked, playing along. “Derek, what if I’m already wearing my most expensive dress
