Chapter 7. The Approach

The guard looked at her, suspicion clear in his eyes. “I’m sorry, miss, but without an invitation, we cannot let you inside,” he said, his voice remaining firm. Emma could feel the eyes of the other guards turning toward her, and soon after, one of them stepped forward, his face showing unmistakable contempt.

“Don’t pretend, miss,” this guard spoke up, his tone laced with undisguised disdain. “Do you think we don’t know what you’re doing here? People like you are a dime a dozen, coming in just to chase after wealthy men.”

Those words rang out like a slap in the air, but Emma remained calm. She looked into the guard’s eyes, her gaze steady. Instead of reacting in anger, she simply stayed silent, letting the accusations wash over her like meaningless noise.

“I’m serious, miss. If you don’t have an invitation, please leave,” another guard chimed in, his tone now devoid of any courtesy. “We don’t want any trouble with people like you.”

A few chuckles arose from t