Chapter 90

ELOISE

The morning meeting with Dad and his wife was arranged in the drawing room. Sunshine was slipping through the curtains, illuminating my father's and Davina's serious faces.

Davina had already forsaken her mourning attire; her expression was stoic yet slightly more composed than in previous days. Adam's supportive presence beside me fortified my resolve as we faced them across the room.

"I'm pleased you've allowed me to organize this, Eloise. I heard from Bruce that Adam has generously offered to cover the expenses. But, it should be considered as part of Eloise's dowry," Dad began his tone, casual but calculating.

I wanted to laugh. "There’s no such thing as dowries in America. The Sebastians wants an equal partnership, not outdated traditions."

He nodded, acknowledging my point with a wry smile. "True, but we men must oblige to our wives—or wives-to-be, right?" He glanced at Adam for affirmation.

Adam responded diplomatically, "I suppose you're right."

Feeling the momen