Maya's POV
The formal dinner commenced in the grand banquet hall, where an elaborate oak table stretched to accommodate thirty distinguished guests.
The attendees formed an eclectic gathering of Sterling family members, prominent investors, and influential personalities from the wine industry. I found myself positioned between Sebastian and a renowned wine expert whose name escaped my memory moments after introduction, while Roderick had strategically placed himself within striking distance of Arthur.
Thankfully, Penelope sat across from me at an angle, offering conspiratorial winks over her wine glass whenever another guest delivered a particularly pompous comment.
The opening course arrived as an artfully arranged scallop preparation in lemon butter sauce, presented with flawless attention to detail. However, the instant the seafood aroma reached me, my stomach contracted violently. The smell struck me as overwhelmingly pungent and revolting.
