"You must be Chloe, right? God, you look so beautiful."
"Oh no, Your Grace." I smiled politely. "My name is Lyra. And you must be Ethan’s mother—you speak of elegance." I bowed, but my eyes were locked on Chloe, who looked ready to burst from jealousy.
"Where did you get your dress from? It suits you so well."
"Thank you so much, Your Grace. Well, I wouldn’t take all the praise—everything has to go to my mother. She got me this dress. Isn’t that right, Mother?" I turned toward Linda, who looked like she was about to explode from fury.
"Well, Luna Linda, your girls are very beautiful. You are so lucky to have such angels."
Richard cleared his throat. "Anyways, let’s begin before the food gets cold."
The meal began—slowly, awkwardly—with plates of roasted meats and herb-buttered vegeta
