Leighton Murray was many things—sharp-witted, effortlessly stylish, and an absolute agent of chaos—but tonight, she was something even more unexpected: a guest of honor at the Winbury estate.

Seated comfortably in the grand living room, she was already making herself at home. The room itself was disgustingly extravagant—high ceilings, oil paintings of dead ancestors who probably owned railroads, and a fireplace large enough to roast an entire deer. The Winburys weren't just wealthy; they were old money wealthy, the kind of people who had butlers and wine cellars instead of human emotions.

Greer Winbury, ever the gracious hostess, poured herself a glass of her favorite white wine and turned to Leighton with a practiced smile.

"Would you care for a drink, darling?"

Leighton leaned back, crossing her legs. "I'd love one. Surprise me."

Greer, seemingly delighted by this answer, poured another glass and handed it over.

"Leighton," Tag Winbury said, settling into his leather chair like he was preparing for an interview with 60 Minutes, "tell us about yourself."

Leighton took a sip of her wine. "Oh, I love talking about myself."

Thomas, sitting stiffly on the opposite side of the room, scowled.

Abby, comfortably curled up on a velvet loveseat, watched with amusement, while Benji Winbury, Thomas's younger and considerably more relaxed brother, leaned in with curiosity.

Leighton continued, "I'm from New York. Upper East Side, if you can't already tell from my polished yet vaguely intimidating presence. I went to Essex College—Go Goats—and currently, I'm making moves in finance, specifically venture capital. That means I invest in things, make obscene amounts of money off other people's ideas, and generally just enjoy the art of being rich without actually doing any real work."

Tag nodded approvingly. "Ah, capitalism at its finest."

Leighton raised her glass. "Amen."

Benji grinned. "So, you're basically a shark."

Leighton shrugged. "A glamorous, well-dressed shark? Absolutely."

Greer looked pleased. "I do love a woman with ambition."

Thomas, visibly fuming, muttered, "Oh yeah, she's just charming."

Leighton turned her head slightly, taking another delicate sip of wine. "Oh, Tommy. You flatter me."

Benji, clearly entertained, smirked. "Wait, wait. So do you two get along?"

Before Leighton could answer, Thomas let out a bitter laugh. "Oh, no. Absolutely not. Leighton is the most unbearable person I have ever met in my entire life."

Leighton turned to face him, completely unbothered. "Aww. That's sweet."

Thomas narrowed his eyes. "It was not a compliment."

Leighton smiled. "Oh, I know. I just choose to take everything as a compliment. Makes life more fun."

Abby, delighted, sipped her tea. "I adore you."

Benji laughed. "Thomas, man, I think she might be your villain origin story."

Thomas scoffed. "Oh, she already is."

Leighton shrugged. "I don't wake up every day with the goal of making your life miserable, Thomas. That's just a fun bonus."

Greer, now thoroughly enjoying herself, swirled her wine. "Leighton, darling, you're welcome here anytime."

Thomas slammed his glass down onto the table. "WHAT?!"

Greer barely blinked. "She's delightful."

Tag nodded. "She's quick-witted, successful, and not afraid to speak her mind. Qualities we value in this family."

Thomas looked like he was going to combust. "SHE'S LITERALLY TRYING TO RUIN MY LIFE!"

Leighton smiled sweetly. "Oh, honey. You ruined your own life. I'm just here for the post-game analysis."

Thomas clenched his jaw. "I hate you."

Leighton raised her glass. "That's fair."

Abby chuckled. "I have to say, I think she might be growing on me."

Benji grinned. "Oh, definitely. She's fun."

Greer nodded. "Agreed. Thomas, why don't you try being more like her?"

Thomas lost it.

Without another word, he stood up, stormed toward the door, and just before walking out, flipped Leighton off.

Leighton, utterly unshaken, waved at him like a beauty queen in a parade.

"Goodnight, Tommy!" she called.

As the door slammed shut, the room fell into a brief silence.

Benji shook his head. "Wow. That was… dramatic."

Greer sighed. "That boy has no composure."

Leighton smirked, swirling the wine in her glass. "This is the most fun I've had in weeks."

Abby, nodding, raised her tea. "Welcome to the family."