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One thing Juliette was absolutely certain of was that her aunt wasn’t threatening her just for the sake of it. That vile woman meant every word she said, and if Juliette didn’t comply with her demands, that mother-daughter duo would undoubtedly make trouble for her grandmother.

Frustrated and feeling cornered, Juliette got out of bed, resigned to doing what was asked of her.

An hour later, she came downstairs dressed in a simple yellow dress and plain flats. Compared to the elaborate outfits her aunt and cousin had chosen, Juliette’s attire was modest and understated. Yet, despite her simplicity, she stood out in a way that could only be described as effortlessly graceful.

But that wasn’t surprising. One of the many reasons her aunt and cousin despised her was because Juliette didn’t need to try hard to outshine them. She had naturally rosy cheeks, slightly red lips, and long, dark, glossy hair—a legacy from her mother, who had been breathtakingly beautiful in her lifetime. Her father, too, had been a man of striking confidence and charm. Sadly, both were gone, leaving Juliette with nothing but their remarkable genes and bittersweet memories.

When Aunt Isabella noticed Juliette descending the stairs, she leaned toward her daughter and muttered under her breath. “Good lord, couldn’t she at least wear the dress I bought for her? What’s wrong with that girl?”

Sophia rolled her eyes, barely concealing her annoyance. “Let it go, Mom. At least she’s ready before I completely lost my patience. Let’s just get this over with.”

Aunt Isabella shook her head, exhaling sharply. “You’re right. Once she’s married into that family, all our problems will be solved. Not only will your father reap the benefits of being connected to them, but I’ll get the satisfaction of knowing that this pathetic excuse of a woman is tied to someone she truly deserves—an ugly, disabled man on the verge of losing everything.”

Sophia giggled, covering her mouth as if savoring the thought. “I know, right? She doesn’t even realize what she’s walking into. Once she figures it out, it’ll be too late—she’ll be stuck with that good-for-nothing loser forever. I can’t wait to see her face when the truth finally hits her. It’s going to be absolutely priceless.”

Juliette reached the bottom of the stairs, her calm expression betraying none of the storm brewing inside her. She had tried to overhear what they had been gossiping about, but all her efforts had been in vain. Nevermind. Even if the two of them were plotting against her, it wouldn’t be the fight time. Besides, sooner or later, everything they had in mind would come to light itself. There was simply no reason to bother about it right now.

“Finally,” Aunt Isabella said sharply, her voice laced with impatience. “Let’s go. We don’t have all day, Juliette.” She gave her a once-over, a look of disdain flickering in her eyes. “You could at least try to look presentable, you know. We’re going to meet someone important.”

Sophia smirked, playing with the edge of her designer scarf. “Not that it matters. It’s not like he’ll care what you look like.”

Juliette bit back a retort, refusing to let them see how much their words affected her. She clenched her hands into fists, nails digging into her palms. This wasn’t the time to lash out, no matter how tempting it was. She would endure their ridicule, at least for now.

Soon enough, her uncle arrived, and they were all cramped inside the most luxurious car her family owned. Of course, they would do anything to put forward their best faces, not wanting to offend the esteemed Garrett family, who were only one step away from being declared royalty.

When they reached the Garrett estate, Juliette wasn’t the only one with her mouth hanging open. She could hardly believe her eyes. Not only was the Garrett estate as vast as an island, but it was also immaculately organized and breathtakingly beautiful.

There were towering trees, tranquil lakes, and an abundance of flowers in the gardens. Guards and staff went about their duties as they drove past the grand gates and along the stunning roundabout.

Juliette stepped out of the car, and they were immediately greeted by the same older man who had accompanied Madam Elizabeth Garrett the last time they had met. The man gave her uncle a small nod before leading them inside the massive mansion.

Juliette couldn’t help but swallow, feeling nervous for the first time.

Something about this didn’t feel right, especially after seeing how her aunt and cousin had reacted this morning. They were trying to marry her off to this… this incredible family, and that felt more than a little suspicious.

If everything was so perfect, so ideal, why weren’t they trying to marry Sophia into this family? What was the catch? Was the man she was supposed to marry some kind of… abnormal?

As they walked through the grand entrance, Juliette’s mind raced with questions she couldn’t seem to silence. The mansion’s interior was just as impressive as the grounds—polished marble floors gleamed beneath their feet, and high ceilings soared above, adorned with ornate chandeliers that sparkled like diamonds. Everything about the estate screamed wealth and power, but it only made Juliette feel more out of place.

When they reached a sitting room, the older man opened the door and gestured for them to enter. Juliette’s heart skipped a beat as she stepped inside, taking in the rich, dark wood and plush furniture that filled the room. But it wasn’t the decor that caught her attention. Sitting near the fireplace, her cane resting in one hand, was Agnes Elizabeth Garrett.

Juliette couldn’t mistake that woman for anyone else.

She swallowed hard, trying to make herself as small as possible.

For reasons she couldn’t quite understand, something about that woman sent a chill down her spine, more so than even her cruel aunt and uncle. There was something in those steely gray eyes—eyes that seemed to have seen the worst life had to offer, fought against it, and come out victorious. She looked like a woman who didn’t take no for an answer and certainly didn’t let anyone cross her.

The older woman made no move to acknowledge Juliette’s presence, instead simply gesturing to the sitting area with a calm, commanding motion.

“Please,” she said, her voice as authoritative as it was steady. “Have a seat.”

They all sat down.

Her uncle was the first to speak, his tone formal but carrying an undercurrent of urgency. “Madam Garrett, thank you for seeing us. We appreciate your time.” He glanced briefly at Juliette at his wife, and then at Juliette. “We understand you wanted to meet Juliette.”

“Yes. Indeed.” Madam Garrett turned to Juliette, her gray eyes sweeping over her carefully before stopping at her face. “I must say, I can’t imagine a better-suited woman for my son.”

Her words made Sophia giggle, and that instantly earned a cold stare from Madam Garrett.

“Did I say something funny?”

“No. No, of course not,” Sophia apologized, lowering her head.

“It seems to me that the frivolities of youth have taken precedence over maturity and seriousness. Since the fate of an entire company is hanging in the balance, a little bit more discipline might serve you better.”

Sophia shrunk in her chair while Aunt Isabelle looked like she wanted to retort. But since they needed the Garretts, she, too, maintained a strained, obedient posture.

Her uncle chuckled nervously. “What an interesting way to put it. Ha-ha… It’s… uh, good.”

Madam Garrett did not smile, keeping her stony gaze leveled on the man. The temperature in the room seemed to drop as an unspoken tension crackled.

“Anyway,” the woman finally said, and finally peeled her gaze off her uncle and back to Juliette. “I would like to have a word with her in private. If you don’t mind, of course.”