In the grand, glossy, yet monochromatic living hall of the Ford-Summers Manor, where every inch gleamed like it had just been steam-polished by diamonds, a peculiar assembly had formed.
Maids, butlers, gardeners, even the usually elusive head chef, Pierre, who never left his kitchen domain unless someone misused truffle oil—every staff member on duty stood lined like a royal inspection was underway. Only this time, no duchess or foreign diplomat had arrived.
No, they were summoned for something far graver.
A bonsai tree.
Yes. The damned bonsai. Small. Supposedly harmless. Green. Decorative. Except this one had appeared mysteriously overnight in Ava's private corridor when butler Eduardo had asked the Garner to place it near the fountain.
Butler Eduardo confirmed it himself together with other witnesses, and yet they found it left near Ava's room like a cryptic message—or worse, a threat—from someone bold enough to breach Ford territory in favor of Shen's manipulations.
