Three sleek Bentleys stood gleaming outside Levine Manor's grand entrance. Security guards rushed to open the doors with practiced precision.

William Levine emerged first from the lead vehicle. His tall frame was accentuated by a perfectly tailored black suit that radiated authority. Every movement carried weight and purpose.

He turned and offered his hand to Victoria Stuart with ceremonial grace. She accepted with a demure smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Thank you, William."

"My pleasure," he responded, his tone polite yet distant.

Victoria maintained her composed expression, seemingly unaffected by his formal demeanor. They moved in synchronized steps toward the adjacent vehicle.

Charles Stuart emerged next, assisted by his personal butler Lawrence. Though his hair shone silver-white and his years numbered over seventy, he stood with military straightness that defied his age.

From the final Bentley came Andrew Stuart and Wendy Stone, followed by their son James Stuart. The Stuart family procession began moving toward the manor entrance.

Simultaneously, Henry Levine's wheelchair was being guided toward the gathering. The two patriarchs had been friends for decades, though their meetings had grown scarce with declining health.

Their reunion sparked visible emotion in both men. Charles bent to embrace his old friend.

"Henry, it's been too long."

"Indeed it has, Charles," Henry replied, his voice thick with feeling.

They immediately fell into quiet conversation, catching up on lost years while their families stood in respectful silence around them.

Amanda Mitchell watched the scene unfold with wide eyes, intimidated by the sheer presence surrounding her. She barely dared to breathe.

When news of William and Victoria's engagement had broken, she'd felt triumphant. This confirmed everything she'd suspected about Elise Scott's true status.

The fact that William had never publicly acknowledged Elise spoke volumes. How could Elise possibly compete with someone like Victoria?

Amanda had made sure to research Victoria's background thoroughly. The more she learned, the more she realized how outmatched Elise truly was.

Victoria's life appeared flawless - a pedigree so impeccable that even Amanda, who rarely acknowledged other women's superiority, had to concede defeat.

She risked another glance at Victoria, who seemed to sense the attention and turned slightly. Amanda quickly averted her eyes, suddenly feeling like an insignificant observer in this world of old money and power.

This unfamiliar insecurity unsettled her deeply. She'd never experienced such overwhelming inadequacy.

Her gaze drifted to Elizabeth York standing nearby, who appeared completely at ease in this environment. Ethan Parker stood equally composed beside her.

They moved through this world of wealth and influence as if born to it. Amanda felt like an imposter in comparison.

Resentment simmered within her - partly at her own visceral reaction to the social hierarchy unfolding before her, partly at their effortless belonging.

She'd been raised believing herself special, yet this single family gathering exposed her as utterly ordinary in their world.

The realization stung more than she cared to admit.