Chapter 17
Rose
I check my reflection one last time before leaving my room. The dress Timothy sent me for the Christmas Ball is absolutely stunning. It’s a dark red princess ball gown that is heavy and luxurious. I twirl in front of the mirror and giggle to myself. It all feels like a fairy tale.
My hair is swept up in an elegant chignon, and I'm wearing the diamond earrings that came with the dress. I look like I belong at a high-society event. But it still feels like I'm playing dress-up.
Eagerly, I grab my phone and take a few selfies, then send them to Gabriel straight away.
What do you think?
He answers immediately.
You look incredible! Like a Christmas Barbie doll… I really wish I could go with you to the Christmas Ball.
I type fast, hungry to answer him.
I know, me too. But I would have no way of explaining to my cousin Timothy why I brought one of my professors with me!
He sends me a few laughing emojis back, and then another text.
You’re right. Still… I want to see you. Come to my rooms when the ball is over, Rose, please.
Like Cinderella? Shall I come to see you after midnight, Gabriel?
Like you’ve missed me and hate that you had to go without me.
He answers me sweetly, making me giggle even more.
The limousine arrives exactly on time. The driver opens the door for me, and I climb in, careful not to get snow or salt on the hem of my gown.
The ride to the Vanderbilt Mansion takes forty minutes through the Hudson Valley countryside.
I watch the landscape roll by, trying to calm my nerves, but don’t really succeed.
I'm about to meet my cousin for the first time. Timothy Devereaux has been running the American branch of the family business since he was twenty-five. From what I've learned, he's brilliant, ruthless in business, and incredibly wealthy. Even by Devereaux's standards.
A few minutes later, the mansion appears just as the limousine drives around a curve in the road. It's massive, of course, but I wasn’t expecting anything else. I can see cars lining the circular drive—Bentleys and Rolls-Royces that cost more than most people's houses.
I take a deep breath as the driver opens my door.
"Miss Devereaux," a voice calls out when I step onto the marble path.
I turn to see a man walking toward me. He's tall, probably six-foot-two, with the presence and authority that draw people in. His curly, light brown hair is perfectly styled, and he's wearing a custom-made tuxedo. But it's his smile that stops me. He seems so warm, genuine, and absolutely charming.
"You must be Rose," he says, extending his hand. "I'm Timothy. Your cousin."
"It's wonderful to finally meet you," I say, taking his hand. His handshake is firm but not overwhelming.
"The pleasure is entirely mine."
“Wow! Our eyes are identical!” I cannot help but exclaim. “The same shade of blue! I guess we truly are related.”
“Ah, yes! Look at that! It’s funny how genetics work, isn’t it?” he laughs. "You look radiant tonight, Rose. This dress is the perfect choice."
"Thank you for sending it. And for inviting me."
"I've been wanting to meet you since we found out about your existence. The family is still reeling from the surprise, in the best possible way." He offers me his arm. "Shall we go in? I have about fifty people I want you to meet."
The ballroom takes my breath away. The ceiling is painted with scenes from Greek mythology.
All around the room, paintings are displayed on the walls.
With a shock, I recognize Picasso, Monet, and Degas.
For a second, I wonder if they’re authentic.
Of course, they are. They must be like posters from Ikea to people like this.
A few hundred guests fill the ballroom—men in tuxedos, women in gowns that shimmer under the light. Laughter and conversation rise in elegant waves, creating a hum of sophistication.
"This is incredible," I say in awe.
"Wait until you see the rest of the house." Timothy guides me toward a group of people near the bar. "But first, let me introduce you to some family friends."
The next hour passes in a whirlwind of introductions. Timothy never leaves my side as he moves us smoothly from group to group. He introduces me as his newly discovered cousin, and everyone seems genuinely interested in meeting me.
I meet a Broadway producer who's financing three shows this season. A tech billionaire who's younger than Timothy but talks about his companies like they're chess pieces. A woman who owns a chain of luxury hotels and speaks four languages fluently.
"You're handling this beautifully," Timothy says during a quiet moment. "I was worried it might be overwhelming."
"It is overwhelming," I admit. "But in a good way. Everyone's been so welcoming."
"They're curious about you. The mysterious Devereaux heiress who appeared out of nowhere." He signals a waiter for champagne. "But you're holding your own perfectly. Our grandmother would be proud."
The mention of our grandmother makes me smile. I never got to meet her, but I've read stories about her strength and intelligence in all the books that Gabriel gave me.
We move to another group, and Timothy introduces me to several men in expensive suits. Apparently, they run various divisions of Devereaux Enterprises. They casually talk about quarterly reports and market expansion.
"Rose is still getting acquainted with the business side of things," Timothy explains when one of them asks about my role in the company. "But she's incredibly sharp. I have a feeling she'll be a valuable addition to our team."
The confidence in his voice surprises me. We've only just met, but he seems to genuinely believe I belong here.
As the evening progresses, I find myself relaxing. Timothy has a gift for making people feel comfortable. He's funny without being crude, and intelligent without being condescending. He remembers details about everyone we meet and asks thoughtful questions.
"You're very good at this," I tell him during dinner.
"At what?"
"Making people feel important. Making them feel heard."
He considers this while cutting his steak. "It's partly training, partly genuine interest. People are fascinating when you really listen to them."
"Is that how you became so successful so young?"
"I guess so. But mostly it's because I had good teachers and wasn't afraid to take risks." He takes a sip of wine. "What about you? What are you passionate about?"
"I'm still figuring that out, honestly. For so long, I was just trying to survive. Now that I have opportunities, I'm not sure in what direction to go."
"That's perfectly normal. You've had a lot of changes recently. Are you enjoying Wolfswood?"
"Most of it. The academics are challenging, but I like that. And I'm learning things I never would have had access to before."
"Any particular professors who've made an impression on you? I know the Headmistress, Mrs. Velmont, and just how strict she is. Including the professors."
The question makes my fingers shake. Gabriel's face flashes in my mind, of course. Who else?
"A few," I say carefully. "The professors are all very accomplished at Wolfswood."
Timothy is watching me with interest. "That's a diplomatic answer. I get the sense there's more to it."
"What do you mean?"
"You have that look people get when they're thinking about someone special." His tone is curious but not judgmental. "Are you seeing someone?"
"Umm…. It's complicated."
"The best relationships usually are." He doesn't push, but I can tell he's filing my reaction away. "Just be careful, Rose. You're in a vulnerable position right now. Some people might try to take advantage of that."
His words make me uncomfortable, even though I know he means well. "I can take care of myself."
"I'm sure you can. But you're also my cousin, and I care about what happens to you." He smiles to soften the seriousness of his words. "It's what family does."
It’s weird to have this complete stranger refer to himself as my family. But I guess he’s right.
As the evening winds down, Timothy walks me back to the limousine. "I had a wonderful time tonight," he says. "I hope I can see you at a family function again soon."
"I'd like that very much!"
He kisses my cheek in a brotherly way, something that takes me entirely by surprise. I’ve never had a brother or a cousin before.
"Call me if you need anything. I mean that. Family looks out for family."
“Thanks, Timothy! I will!”
The ride back to Wolfswood gives me time to process the evening. Timothy is everything I expected and more. He’s sophisticated, successful, and genuinely kind. It's strange to think I have family like him. And people who want to include me in their world.
But through all the introductions and conversations, I kept thinking about Gabriel. When Timothy asked about someone special, his face immediately came to my mind. When I looked around the ballroom, I wished he were there with me.
I miss him. Even after just one evening apart, I miss his presence. His voice. The way he looks at me as if I'm the most important person in the room.
The limousine drops me off at Wolfswood's main entrance. Most of the campus is dark. Of course, it's past midnight, and students are supposed to be in their rooms. But I don't go to my dormitory.
Instead, I walk across campus to the faculty wing. Gabriel's private rooms are on the top floor of the building. I’ve never been in this part of the campus before, but I know the way.
I take the elevator up and knock on his door. He opens almost immediately, as if he was waiting for me.
"Rose! My Cinderella! How was the ball?"
"It was wonderful. But I kept thinking about you."
He steps aside to let me in. His rooms are elegant and comfortable. There is a sitting area with a fireplace, a small kitchen, and a bedroom I can see through an open doorway.
"Are you hungry?" he asks me. "I ordered dinner, because I was waiting for you!!
"I'd love that. I had steak at the ball, but I wouldn’t mind eating again. This dress weighs a ton, and it’s taking all my strength to wear it!" I laugh.
The meal is everything I need right now. He ordered roasted chicken, vegetables, and wine.
“So, tell me about Timothy. I think I saw him once at a… party, let’s say. Anyway, what impression did he leave on you?”
“Wonderful but a little weird as well,” I reply.
“How so?”
“I think it was weird because, all of a sudden, I have an entirely new family. He acted like a big brother to me. And I loved that. But it is strange coming from, well… a stranger.”
“Yes, I get it. The psychology of all this must be a little difficult to take. But look on the bright side. The Devereauxs accepted you immediately, and that can only be a positive thing. And your cousin sounds impressive," Gabriel says.
"He is. He's everything I expected a Devereaux to be. He’s confident, successful, and charming. But also genuinely kind."
"That's not always a given with wealthy families."
I nod, thinking about some of the people I met tonight. "He asked if I was seeing someone."
Gabriel's fork pauses halfway to his mouth. "What did you tell him?"
"That it's complicated." I reach across the table and touch his hand. "I wanted to tell him about you. About us. But I know I can't."
"Rose..." His voice makes him sound like he’s in pain.
"I know we have to be careful. I know the risks. But tonight, surrounded by all those people, all I could think about was coming home to you."
He turns his hand over and captures mine. "This is home for you?"
"When I'm with you, yes."
We finish dinner in comfortable silence, our hands intertwined across the table. When we're done, Gabriel leads me to his sitting area. I try my best to curl up next to him on the couch, even though the ball gown is taking up most of the space.
"You did amazingly well tonight, Rose," he says, running his fingers through my hair. "Going to that ball, meeting your family, holding your own in that world. You're becoming the woman you were meant to be."
"I couldn't have done it without you. Without everything you've taught me."
The warmth of his body, the security of his arms around me, and the exhaustion of the evening combined make me drowsy. My eyes start to close.
"Stay with me tonight," Gabriel says. "Just to sleep. I want to hold you."
"Mmm… That sounds like a dream…"
He carries me to his bedroom and helps me out of the elaborate dress. I wait by the bed while he dresses me in one of his shirts to sleep in. Then, I slip under the covers of his bed.
Gabriel changes into pajamas and slides in beside me. He pulls me close, and I rest my head on his chest. His heartbeat is steady and comforting.
"Thank you," I whisper.
"For what?"
"For being here. For being you. For making me feel like I belong here."
He kisses the top of my head, but doesn’t answer. I fall asleep in his arms, feeling safer and more content than I have in years.