Amy Rothschild-Kensington's Arc

Chapter 1 of 1

Amy Rothschild-Kensington stood before the gilded mirror in her chambers, adjusting her emerald gown. Tonight at the Grand Ball, she would expose Jasmine's forgery to all of high society. Her sister had forged Father's signature on the disinheritance papers, stolen Amy's birthright, and turned their father against her with lies. But Amy had evidence now—handwriting analysis from an expert, documents she'd retrieved with help from the loyal Rothschild servants. The Archbishop would witness her revelation. Everyone would know the truth. Her violet eyes gleamed as she pictured Jasmine's face crumbling in shame. Edmund knocked twice before entering. He smiled at her reflection in the mirror. "The carriages are ready, darling. Marmoreal Castle awaits." Amy turned from the mirror and smoothed her skirts. The white stone walls of that gothic palace would frame her victory perfectly. Gold details whispered across its surfaces like promises of justice. She'd studied the guest list seventeen times. Every lord, every lady, every merchant prince who mattered would gather there tonight. The Archbishop had already confirmed his attendance. Amy tucked the handwriting expert's report into her beaded purse and snapped it shut. Justice would be hers before midnight struck. The carriage rolled through the estate grounds. Amy pulled out her phone—floral patterns decorated the case, glitter gold catching the light. She scrolled through the latest posts from high society accounts. Lady Pemberton had arrived early. The Duchess of Marlborough wore sapphires. Everyone was already talking about tonight's gathering. Amy typed a brief message to her contact at the castle, confirming the Archbishop's position near the main ballroom. She deleted it twice, rewrote it, then sent it. Her finger trembled slightly before she steadied her hand. Through the carriage window, she spotted three maids gathered near a well. They wore matching uniforms, each with different hair pinned up against the cold. Their breath made white clouds as they talked and gestured. One pointed toward the road, likely discussing the parade of carriages heading to Marmoreal Castle. Amy leaned closer to the glass. The maids would spread word of tonight's scandal by morning. Every servant in every household would know what Jasmine had done. Father would hear the truth from a dozen sources before he finished his breakfast. Amy sat back and smiled. Tonight, the Rothschild name would be hers again.