The wagon jolted over the rutted path, wheels rattling, horses straining against the harness. Elsa clutched the edges of the seat, trying to keep herself steady. Beside her, James Dutton’s hands were firm on the reins, his jaw tight as he guided the horses toward the looming estate in the distance.

“Elsa,” he said, voice low, “remember what I told you. Keep your posture straight. Speak politely. Do not let your temper flare. The Gilberts… they’re not used to people like us. One wrong word, one slip, and—” He trailed off, tightening his grip on the reins.

“i know daddy,” Elsa said softly, though her eyes were fixed on the horizon. The estate stretched out ahead of them like something from a dream—or a painting. White stone, tall pillars, perfectly trimmed gardens that seemed to go on forever. Windows gleamed in the sunlight, reflecting the kind of wealth she’d only ever seen from a distance. It was mesmerizing.

James glanced at her, eyebrows raised. “You’re staring again. Elsa, don’t let it distract you. This is important. Our family depends on what happens today.”

“I can’t help it,” she murmured, voice almost inaudible. “It’s… it’s beautiful. I’ve never seen anything like it. The way it stretches across the land… the gardens, the trees… everything looks so alive and perfect.”

Her father shook his head but a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. “It’s easy to be dazzled by wealth when you’ve never had it. But remember, that perfection is built on control, on power, and sometimes on cruelty. Don’t be fooled by appearances. Keep your wits about you.”

Elsa’s gaze lingered, taking in every detail: the white stone gleaming in the sun, the wrought-iron gates that marked the entrance, the neatly raked gravel drive. Her fingers itched to touch something, anything, though she knew better. She’d never been allowed inside a place like that. Not fully.

“I understand,” she said quietly, her voice a mix of awe and caution. “I’ll be careful.”

James gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “Good. Remember, we represent more than ourselves today. Our words, our manners… they carry the weight of the Dutton name. And if we do this right…” He paused, eyes on the estate, “it could change things for us. Not just now… but for the future.”

Elsa nodded, swallowing hard. The estate seemed to grow larger with every step closer. She could feel the difference between their lives and the world waiting behind those gates—a world she had only ever imagined, and now could finally see for herself.

The wagon creaked to a stop, the horses snorting softly, dust rising around the wheels. Elsa’s heart thumped in her chest as she stepped down, boots crunching on the gravel, her eyes still fixed on the sprawling estate.

It was more than beautiful. It was intimidating. Unreachable. And somehow… irresistible.