The Ferranti estate was a stark contrast to the slow decay of the Grand Imperial—a realm that whispered of old money and respectable lineage. Manicured lawns stretched like an emerald carpet, dappled with the sunlight filtering through the trees, while the soft strains of classical music floated gracefully from a string quartet positioned under the elegantly draped white tents. Guests clad in designer attire mingled effortlessly, their laughter and soft conversations creating an atmosphere of ...