Scalded Pride

Later that afternoon, a sleek black town car dispatched from the Croft estate idled by the Adler gates. Its chauffeur stood rigid beside the rear door, bearing a mandatory summons from Agatha Thorne Croft. Cecelia stepped out into the crisp air and slipped into the plush leather back seat without hesitation. The heavy door clicked shut, sealing her in a world of quiet luxury. As the powerful engin