While trying to uncover the truth about a long-buried history between Lucy Sable and Ryan Hudson, Nancy finds herself in the curious position of having to strike a deal with Horseshoe Bay’s newest and most suspect widower.
Tropes:
- Amoral Attorney: Ryan claims Nancy's father, Carson, used to be The Fixer for the Hudsons.
- Aristocrats Are Evil: The Hudson and Marvin families went into a joint venture on a ship that was loaded with priceless antiquities which sank with all artifacts onboard, and all hands perished, including Owen's beloved uncle; both families recovered the insurance money. When Ryan goes to sell part of the ship's cargo, it reveals that the Hudsons killed all hands and stole the cargo from the Marvins.
- Aw, Look! They Really Do Love Each Other: Despite the brevity of their fling and the fact that Everett Hudson sent Ryan to boarding school and had Lucy killed. When she shows up as a ghost looking like she did the night of the Velvet Masque 20 years prior, he goes all misty eyed and walks up to kiss her. Subverted when she burns his wedding and writes "LUCY —> TIFFANY" inside the ring.
- Bad Date: Bess's first date with Lisbeth is a disaster. They patch it up at the Velvet Masque, though, and share their first kiss.
- Dances and Balls:The Velvet Masque happens every five years for the rich townies which causes the middle and lower class of Horseshoe Bay Maine to think it's an urban myth.
- A Deadly Affair: Sebastian Marvin is the victim of the third subtrope (Killing your spouse's lover) since he hooked up with Celia.
- Decadent Court: The Velvet Masque isn't just a masquerade ball, it's an orgy and a place where affairs happen between the elite of Horsehoe Bay.
- Evil Matriarch: Celia Hudson to a tee.
- Masquerade Ball: The Velvet Masque.
- Revenge: Owen's uncle, Sebastian, was in a vicious rivalry with Ryan's father, Everett. When it was discovered that Everett's wife, Celia, was having an affair with Sebastian, Sebastian's life was measured in months. He was dead a year later.
