The dining hall of the Winters mansion gleamed with old money—crystal chandeliers, antique paintings, and a polished mahogany table long enough to seat twenty.
At one end sat my father, Charles Winters, skimming through the morning paper like the world owed him his next headline. Beside him, Celeste was already in place, delicately slicing fruit as if she were royalty.
I took my seat across from her. She looked up, her expression sugar-sweet."You're late, sister. Father was about to—"
"I know," I cut in, my tone calm but firm. "You wanted to discuss the engagement."
Father lowered his paper, his sharp eyes assessing me. "Ethan Blackwell is a good match, Elara. His family's connections could be beneficial to our company. The engagement party is set for next month—"
"I'm not marrying him."
The room went silent.
Celeste's fork paused mid-air, her lips curving in disbelief. "What did you just say?"
"I said," I repeated evenly, "I'm not marrying Ethan Blackwell."
Father's voice hardened. "This isn't a decision for you to make alone. You will do what's best for this family."
In my first life, I'd have lowered my gaze, swallowed my objections, and obeyed. But that Elara died on a balcony, and she was never coming back.
"I am doing what's best," I said, leaning forward. "The Blackwells' company is in quiet decline. They're drowning in debt, and if we tie ourselves to them now, we'll sink with them."
His eyes narrowed. "Where did you hear that?"
I smiled faintly. "Let's just say I know more than you think."
Celeste's gaze sharpened—she hated not knowing my source. Good.
Father studied me for a long moment before finally grunting, "If what you're implying is true, I'll verify it myself. Until then, you'll keep this quiet."
"Of course."
I returned to my breakfast like the conversation was over, but in my mind, I was already planning my next step.
Damien Cross.
In my last life, I didn't meet him until my wedding day, when my father shoved me into the role of his business pawn. But Damien had always been a figure of power in the city, untouchable and dangerous. If I could reach him earlier, I could control the circumstances of our meeting—and our marriage.
And today, I knew exactly where he'd be.
I stood, brushing crumbs from my lap. "I have an errand to run."
Celeste tilted her head. "So early?"
I met her gaze with a cool smile. "Some opportunities don't wait."