The entire afternoon passed with madams from five establishments, including Silk Whisper, each presenting their courtesans for Ethan Lockwood's appraisal.
Yet when the final candidate stepped forward, Ethan's face contorted in clear disappointment, not selecting a single one.
Lilac, who had arranged this gathering, burned with embarrassment. She immediately summoned the five madams aside.
"Explain yourselves," she said sharply, her eyes narrowing. "Did you deliberately withhold your prime courtesans today? These candidates wouldn't even pass muster at a second-tier establishment."
"You're all reputable houses in Astramere. Have your standards collapsed since I left Silk Whisper?"
The women exchanged glances before Sherry from Silk Whisper—noting Lilac's maiden hairstyle—forced a nervo
