In the opulent world of Victorian England, Lady Evangeline 'Ivy' Chandonette harbors a profound secret-a fear of intimacy deeply rooted in a traumatic encounter at a ball, leaving her wary of the very men she should trust.

When her family's estate faces imminent ruin, Ivy bravely confronts her fears and accepts the proposal of an obsessive admirer, Allyn Marsden. Reluctantly, she accompanies him to the sprawling Marsden coffee plantation in Brazil, where the vibrant landscape stands in stark contrast to the desolation within her heart.

Amidst this exotic backdrop, she encounters Tristão Fontes, a striking dark-haired manservant whose bold spirit ignites a spark of life within her. Their initial clashes only heighten the tension between them, as Tristão reveals himself to be no ordinary servant; having returned from abroad, he is determined to reclaim his family's lost honor.

Lonely and yearning for artistic expression, Ivy seeks solace in her painting. Taking a bold step, she enlists Tristão's help to gather supplies, blissfully unaware that her beauty and creative spirit will captivate him in ways she never anticipated. As they share secret moments, an undeniable attraction simmers between them, compelling Ivy to face the tempest of desire that stirs beneath her carefully maintained facade.

Soon, Ivy finds herself caught in a heart-wrenching dilemma between duty and the allure of forbidden passion. She must choose between upholding her family's legacy or embracing a love that could shatter everything she holds dear.