The car pulls through the estate gates.
I watch the main house come into view, every window lit. It's late, later than I've ever come home before, and I'm suddenly aware that people might be waiting up.
Liang Feng opens the door and I step out, my feet aching after hours in these heels.
The front entrance is unlocked.
I push through and sure enough, Grandmother is in the sitting room, still dressed, tea in hand like it's the middle of the afternoon instead of nearly midnight.
She looks up when I enter. "You're back."
"Yes, Grandmother."
Her eyes track over my face, reading something I'm not saying. "The gala went well?"
"It was fine."
"Good." She sets down her teacup with a precise click. "The Li family merger is finalized, but cordial relations remain important. I trust you handled yourself appropriately."
"I did."
She studies me for another moment, then nods. "Get some rest. You look tired."
I am.
In ways that have nothing to do with standing in heels.
