Chapter 1 - The Gathering Storm
Inside the warm garden cottage, Elliot stripped off the wet cap and dark gray wig, running a hand through his hair as he stared out the window toward the lit windows of the Whitmore estate.
His smartphone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out—a secure, encrypted device completely out of place against his muddy trousers.
"Sir," his personal assistant, Harrison, whispered through the receiver. "The legal contracts for the Whitmore merger are ready for the morning signing. Are you still planning to proceed with the engagement dinner tomorrow night?"
Elliot looked down at the empty bowl of soup Maddie had brought him. "Hold the contracts, Harrison. Do not transfer a single dollar to the Whitmore accounts until I give the command."
"Is there a problem with Miss Whitmore, sir?"
"I'm finding out who she really is when she thinks no one of importance is watching," Elliot said coldly. "Keep my vehicle parked two miles down the road near the bridge. I'm staying in the cottage tonight."
The next morning, the estate awoke to a bustle of activity. Florists, caterers, and decorators flooded the courtyard to prepare for the lavish pre-wedding gala.
Disguised once more in his ragged coat and beard, Elliot stepped out of the cottage under the pretense of leaving the grounds. Nearby, Brianna Whitmore stood on the main terrace, shouting orders at the event coordinator.
"I asked for white orchids, not off-white!" Brianna snapped, tossing a clipboard onto a patio table. "And why isn't the grand fountain cleaned yet? If Elliot Carter arrives and sees this place looking second-rate, heads will roll!"
Maddie stepped forward, holding a tray of fresh coffee for the decorators. "Miss Whitmore, the florists brought the best batch available due to the storm last night—"
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"Did I ask for your opinion, Maddie?" Brianna interrupted, turning her sharp gaze onto the house assistant. "You're paid to wipe tables and carry luggage, not to manage my wedding. Go clean the guest pavilion immediately."
Elliot watched from the shadow of the hedge as Maddie bowed her head politely and walked away without expressing a single note of bitterness.
