Chapter 2

Savy flinched, her eyes darting to Brent for support.

"She can't talk to me like that!" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Grayson, my older brother, the presumed heir who always felt overshadowed, pushed through the onlookers.

He placed a hand on Savy's shoulder, glaring at me.

"Rory, what the hell is wrong with you? Savy wouldn't steal anything! You're just jealous she looks good in it and you're trying to ruin her night, and the entire party!"

He was so predictable, so easily manipulated by Savy' s damsel-in-distress act.

"You' re causing a scene, little sister. Dad will hear about this."

"He already has," I said calmly.

My father, Hamilton Sterling, emerged from his study, his presence commanding immediate silence. His sharp eyes swept over the scene: Savy in my gown, Brent and Grayson protectively flanking her, and me, standing alone but resolute in my grandmother' s dress.

"What is the meaning of this commotion?" Father' s voice was quiet, but it resonated with power.

Savy immediately burst into tears. "Uncle Hamilton, I don't know what happened! The dress was just there, and I thought... Rory is so angry with me."

Father' s gaze fixed on Savy, his expression unreadable.

"You thought, Savannah, that a gown tailored specifically for Aurora, for her debutante ball, was for you to wear?"

His tone was deceptively mild, but I saw the tightening around his eyes. He adored me, and he was no fool.

Savy stammered, "I... it was a mistake... I'm so sorry..."

Father then looked at Grayson. "And you, son. You believe your sister is jealous?"

Grayson puffed up. "She' s always been sensitive, Dad. Savy looks beautiful. Rory is overreacting."

A muscle twitched in Father's jaw. "Grayson, Mr. Henderson' s prize bull is feeling unwell. The vet is on his way, but Henderson would appreciate a familiar face. Go and keep the bull company until the vet arrives. And stay there until I send for you."

Grayson' s face turned a dull red. Babysitting a sick bull was a task for a ranch hand, not the heir apparent. It was a public, demeaning dismissal.

"But Dad, the party..."

"Now, Grayson."

Grayson shot me a look of pure venom before stalking off.

Father then turned to Brent Asher.

"Brent, I recall promising your father a significant investment in Asher Oil' s new drilling project."

Brent brightened, clearly thinking he was about to be praised for defending Savy. "Yes, sir, Mr. Sterling. A very generous offer."

"Consider that offer revoked," Father stated flatly. "I don't invest with families who condone theft or raise sons who publicly disparage my daughter to defend it."

Brent' s jaw dropped. The Ashers needed that investment. This was a catastrophic blow to his family' s ambitions and his own standing.

"Mr. Sterling, I... Savy didn't..."

"The matter is closed," Father said, his voice like steel.

Finally, he looked at Savy, who was now genuinely pale.

"Savannah, you will go to your room. You will change out of that gown immediately. You will remain in your room for the duration of this event. And your social privileges are curtailed until further notice. Am I understood?"

"Yes, Uncle Hamilton," Savy whispered, utterly defeated. She scurried away, no longer the belle of the ball, but a disgraced nobody.

Father then turned to me, his eyes softening. "Are you alright, my dear?"

"I am now, Father," I said, a small, genuine smile touching my lips.

The first battle was won. My father was my staunchest ally, and with him, I was invincible.

He offered me his arm. "Then let us enjoy your debutante ball, Aurora."

As we walked towards the receiving line, I felt a surge of triumph. This life would be different. I would make sure of it.