Chapter 246

Three days later. A soft, elegant melody floated through the air, setting the tone for the glittering high-society banquet. Guests chatted in small groups, clinking glasses—it was the perfect scene for networking and making new connections. Just as the event was about to start, a startled gasp broke the calm. Some guests frowned, already annoyed, ready to call out whoever had no manners—until they followed the gaze of the voice. Then, almost immediately, understanding dawned across their faces. No wonder someone reacted like that. Because walking gracefully through the center of the room was a girl so stunning it was like she’d stepped out of a painting. She wore a crimson gown that hugged her form just right, the contrast between the deep red and her flawless, porcelain skin startlingly beautiful—like a drop of ink on untouched snow. Sarah Knight seemed to sense all the eyes on her. She lifted an eyebrow ever so slightly, the corners of her lips curving into a smile that was somehow b