Sell Her Off

The wedding reception was in full swing, laughter and music filling the grand backyard of the Kendrick mansion. Guess Adeline's uncle did not start whatever his plan was immediately.

Carl and his father stood near the edge of the reception, their eyes scanning the crowd, searching for the man they had come to see—Alaric Kendrick, the Marquess.

Carl shifted uncomfortably in his fine but old suit. He had dressed well for the occasion, hoping to make a good impression, but even he knew that appearances could only go so far.

His father, an older man with greying hair and a face worn by years of bad decisions, stood beside him with a stiff posture, his lips pressed into a thin line.

"This is our chance," his father muttered under his breath. "Be respectful. Be convincing. We need him to listen."

Carl exhaled through his nose, adjusting the cuffs of his sleeves. "I know."