“Ladies and gentlemen, by the explicit invitation of Mrs. Ava Covington, we have the distinct honor of welcoming Miss Lisa Bartlett,” the butler announced loudly.

The silence that followed was deafening.

Lisa slowly descended the sixteen marble steps, knowing every single imperfection in the stone—because she had cleaned them on her knees.

When she reached the floor, Ava looked pale and completely trapped in her own cruel joke.

Suddenly, the front doors swung open, and Easton Bartlett entered the room with a commanding presence that made everyone stand straighter.

“Thank you for inviting my granddaughter, Ava. It’s a gesture my family will never forget,” Easton said coldly.