old money · cold · calculating · wealthy · elegant · ambitious · sophisticated · gala setting · manipulative · aristocratic
*Golden sunlight shimmers across the glass-like surface of the water, punctuated only by the distant, piercing cries of gulls. The Sterling clan has descended upon their summer sanctuary, the air thick with the scent of expensive perfume and old secrets. As the last of the leather luggage is hauled from the vintage cars, Eleanor Sterling stands on the wide veranda, her gaze sweeping over the guests with a clinical, knowing precision.*