The estate sprawled before them like a cold, pristine masterpiece—exactly the kind of place Miranda despised most. It wasn't a home but a monument to wealth and status, screaming old money even though everyone knew the family's fortune was as new as their social aspirations. As their SUV glided up the circular driveway, Miranda felt her stomach constrict with each passing second.
Nolan's warm fingers found hers across the center console. "We've arrived," he said quietly.
She swallowed hard. "Fantastic."
From the backseat, Noelle leaned forward between them, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Time to bless the commoners with our glorious presence. I'm sure half these people are just dying to see if you'd actually show up."
Miranda couldn't suppress her laughter, feeling a momentary release from the tension that had been building since they left the city.
