After lunch, everyone moved into the living room, settling onto the couches and armchairs. The mood stayed light, laughter breaking out as Sebastian recounted some recent drama involving a new client the family had taken on.
Sophia was mid-smile when sudden footsteps echoed down the hallway.
The sound cut cleanly through the room.
Every head turned.
Violet walked in first, her heels clicking confidently against the floor. A bouquet of fresh flowers rested carefully in her hands. Thomas followed close behind her, carrying several gift bags and boxes.
“What a surprise,” Violet said brightly, slowing to a stop as she took in the room. Her eyes widened—not with hesitation, but with delight. Her smile only grew.
“Are you all having a family reunion today? That’s wonderful. Looks like I came at the right time.”
Without waiting for a response, she moved forward, gesturing for Thomas to place the gifts on the table.
“Uncle Arthur sent me,” she added cheerfully. “He asked me to bring these gifts for you, Mrs. Graves.”
Camila stared at Violet silently.
The smile she’d worn all afternoon vanished.
Sophia noticed it immediately.
The warm, laughing Camila from earlier disappeared in an instant. In her place sat a composed, distant woman—poised and restrained, the kind of elegant woman who wouldn’t spare an unnecessary glance for someone she didn’t welcome.
Violet, however, either didn’t notice the change… or deliberately chose to ignore it.
She turned toward the others and waved brightly. “Hi, everyone. I’m Sophia’s cousin, Violet. It’s nice to meet you.”
The family exchanged brief glances.
Emily and Mia both offered polite smiles and leaned forward to greet her, though their eyes flickered—quick and curious—toward Sophia and Magnus.
Neither Sophia nor Magnus made any move to respond to Violet.
The silence was subtle but clear.
That alone made it clear—Violet was not a welcome guest.
Unfazed, Violet stepped closer and held out the bouquet, her smile still sweet.
“This is for you, Mrs. Graves.” She placed the flowers in Camila’s hands.
Camila accepted the bouquet with a brief nod. “Sit down,” she said calmly.
Violet smiled and moved to the single-seater couch, smoothing her dress as she sat.
Camila turned slightly. “Thomas, bring some coffee for her.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Thomas replied at once, already moving toward the kitchen.
Camila’s gaze then drifted to the gifts arranged neatly on the table. She studied them without touching anything, her eyes finally settling on one particular box—a transparent case displaying an antique vase inside.
“Wasn’t this vase sold at the latest auction in Paris?” she asked mildly.
Violet’s smile brightened instantly. “Yes, Mrs. Graves. You have a very sharp eye. My dad personally bought it so we could gift it to you for marrying Sophia.”
Her voice was sweet, perfectly measured. Then she added lightly, as if it were an afterthought, “Despite all her flaws.”
