“He deleted his wife from the guest list because she was ‘too ordinary’….

Lydia shrinking herself so his confidence could expand.

Those memories felt inconvenient now. Heavy. Like a coat he didn’t want to wear in a room designed for display.

“She will not attend,” Miles said quietly, as if stating an obvious correction.

Colin hesitated. “Mrs. Redwood is listed as a primary guest and already cleared by security.”

Miles lifted his gaze—sharp, dismissive.