Deviating from the original plot

Chapter nineteen

Recognition dawned on Victoria's face. "Oh—Lady Cassandra. It's a pleasure to meet you properly."

"I owe you my life," Cassandra said sincerely. "I can't thank you enough."

That drew the attention of the others at the table. One by one, noblewomen leaned in with curiosity and admiration, offering greetings and introducing themselves warmly.

"So you are the heroine of the gala. I am Lady Elenora of House Grantham," said one gracefully. "I've been hoping for a chance to speak with you."

"Hello, I'm Maura Halfield," said another cheerfully, her short curls bouncing as she leaned forward. "Daughter of Count Halfield. That gala was the most thrilling evening I've had in ages. Just when I thought things were getting predictable, there you were—taking down a masked attacker with a champagne bottle."

A few laughed at that, but another voice chimed in with a serious expression.

"Nice to meet you; I am Fiona Chevalier. My family owns Chevalier Wines—we nearly sold out after the gala, thanks to all the attention. Your impromptu weapon of choice turned out to be excellent advertising."

Victoria raised a brow, surprised. "Really?"

"Oh, yes," Fiona laughed. "We haven't been able to keep that vintage in stock since."

Victoria let out a breath, half in disbelief, half amused. She hadn't expected her impulsive act to have such widespread consequences.

Everyone around the table continued to speak eagerly with Victoria, showering her with questions and compliments. Beside her, however, Evelyn sat with a small frown tugging at the corners of her lips. She had been hoping for a quiet moment to talk to Victoria, but with all the attention now focused on Victoria, there was no chance to talk to her at all.

Victoria, for her part, was quietly overwhelmed. Being the centre of attention had never suited her; she responded to the questions politely but briefly, modestly brushing off their praise. That is, until her gaze drifted beyond the table—Ria was returning with someone.

Trailing behind her was a person Victoria recognised immediately.

Lady Celeste Ashford

And she wasn't the only one who noticed. The lively chatter at the table hushed, and a stillness swept across the table as the ladies caught sight of her.

Ria's voice rang out lightly, "Now that we're all here, brunch can begin." She took her seat at the head of the table, while Celeste, without a word, gracefully slid into the chair directly opposite Victoria.

A soft chime echoed across the garden, the official signal that brunch was beginning. Servants moved smoothly among the guests, laying down platters of fresh fruit tarts, delicate scones, buttery pastries, and bowls of cut colourful fruit. Glass pitchers filled with chilled floral teas and fruit punch were placed on the table.

A noticeable shift had settled over the table; the moment Celeste arrived, the mood turned muted.

Victoria glanced at Ria, becoming suspicious. Had Ria done this on purpose? And if so, why?

"Oh, Lady Celeste," she said with a warm smile, "What a lovely surprise to see you here." Evelyn began

Victoria's gaze flicked to her—of course Evelyn would try to be kind, always so sincere in her attempts to make others feel welcome. But even so, Victoria couldn't help feeling uneasy for her.

Celeste turned toward Evelyn, her eyes cold. "A surprise indeed," she replied. "I was wondering why I'd been invited to such a ridiculous gathering."

Everyone held their breath.