Onlookers lining the avenue parted, forming a wide pathway.
As the lead limousine glided slowly forward, the hushed gossip of the crowd drifted clearly through Lila's cracked window.
"I heard this match only happened because old Mr. Sheldon swallowed his pride and begged the Sterling family patriarch..."
"Lila doesn't care for young Mr. Sheldon at all. Mark my words, once they're married, she'll make his life a living hell."
"Didn't you hear the rumors? Word is she's actually infatuated with some host from a high-end club..."
Inside the car, Lila listened to the whispers, her brow slowly knitting into a tight furrow. She raised a gloved hand, signaling the motorcade to halt.
The butler, riding in the trailing car, wiped a bead of cold sweat from his forehead and hurried over, his fac
