Isabella POV
The war between Victoria Cross and my adoptive mother Elizabeth Sterling had escalated beyond wedding planning into what could only be described as a battle for social supremacy. I sat in Victoria's penthouse apartment, watching two formidable women argue over flower arrangements like they were negotiating international treaties.
"Peonies are completely inappropriate for a December wedding," Victoria said with the kind of steel-wrapped politeness that meant she was ready to destroy anyone who disagreed. "Isabella deserves something timeless and elegant, not seasonal flowers that will photograph poorly."
"Peonies were Richard's favorite flower," Elizabeth replied with equal determination. "Isabella's father would have wanted his memory honored at her wedding, regardless of seasonal appropriateness."
