Chapter Two: A Wedding Without a Bride

“I’ve searched for this brooch for eight years,” Adrian said. “And for you.” “Did you send the Tang bouquet?” “No. Someone found you before I did.” The sender knew what Mira could do and wanted her away from the Gu wedding. Theo’s case had not been chance. It had been a test. Heels clicked in the corridor. Celeste Lu entered without waiting. In a pearl-gray suit, she removed her sunglasses and looked from the blood on Adrian’s collar to Mira’s pale face. “It seems you’ve skipped the formal introduction.” “I need to confirm your consent,” Mira said. “Do you freely wish to marry Adrian Gu?” “No.” Celeste did not hesitate. “Then I cannot accept the commission.”