Ashley widened her eyes and glanced at Stacey. Suddenly, Stacey’s expression changed. She bit her lip and twitched her mouth.

“Mrs. Reed has arrived!”

Someone called out, and everyone turned to look upstairs. They watched as servants helped Melinda Reed down the stairs, followed by Joshua’s parents, Arthur Reed and Evelyn.

The hall was filled with guests lining both sides of the staircase and looking up at Melinda.

Joshua approached Melinda first, exclaiming, ...