Anyone with eyes could tell it was perfectly ordinary tea, nowhere near as valuable as my gift. But their reactions could not have been more different.
After that, Everett and Eleanor led Chloe toward the banquet hall without sparing me another glance.
I was long accustomed to being set aside, and I had long expected this outcome, so there was no great swell of feeling inside me.
Halfway through the feast, Everett stepped up onto the platform, cleared his throat, and drew every eye in the room.
He held the speaking crystal, his face full of paternal warmth as he gazed at Hazel Ashford beside him, his voice carrying clearly through the grand hall of the yacht.
"Tonight, beyond celebrating my sixtieth moon blessing, there is one more matter to announce. From this day forward, every territory, holding, and asset under my name will pass in full to my second daughter, Hazel Ashford."
The words settled over the room. A beat of silence, then murmuring spread like a low tide through the gathered wolves.
"Everything to the younger daughter? What about the elder?"
"He's not leaving a single thing for his firstborn."
"I'd heard the Ashvale household played favorites. Now we see it with our own eyes."
I stood in the corner, listening to those voices, and a bitter smile pulled at my mouth before I could stop it.
Why?
I had asked myself that question countless times.
We were both their daughters. Yet they could be this cruel in their preference.
A sudden tightness pressed against my chest, heavy and airless. I turned and left the banquet hall. The open deck was empty. The sea wind struck my face, and for a moment it loosened the weight sitting on my ribs.
I leaned against the railing, staring out at the endless dark water.
Behind me, the sharp click of heels on the deck broke the silence.
"Sister, what are you doing out here all alone?"
That familiar voice, threaded with light mockery, dragged me back. I turned. I didn't answer. I only watched her.
Hazel Ashford didn't seem to mind. She walked toward me, unhurried, and lifted her chin, looking me over from head to toe.
"Sister, don't you think you're pathetic?"
Her tone was casual, almost offhand, but every word cut.