Chapter 4 - Bianca’s Final Warning
Two weeks before the party, Bianca invited Claire to the ballroom for a rehearsal.
Claire arrived to find Bianca, Vanessa, and Julian standing near the stage.
Bianca pointed toward the back corner of the room.
“That will be your table.”
Claire followed her gesture.
The table was partially hidden behind a floral installation and close to the service doors.
“The immediate family table is near the stage,” Claire said.
Vanessa smiled.
“Bianca wants people around her who contribute positive energy.”
Claire looked at Julian.
He studied his phone.
Bianca continued walking through the room.
“You will still come early to supervise the vendors. After that, try to stay out of the main photographs.”
“You want me to organize and pay for the event, then hide behind the flowers?”
Bianca stopped.
“No one asked you to pay for everything.”
“You sent me every invoice.”
“And you paid them. That was your choice.”
Claire’s expression remained still, but something inside her finally settled.
She had spent months waiting for Julian to defend her.
He never would.
Bianca stepped closer.
“You need to understand something. After the wedding, Julian and I will make the family decisions. Your role will change.”
“My role in what?”
“The company. The properties. The family accounts.”
Claire turned to Julian.
“Is that what you told her?”
Julian placed his phone in his pocket.
“Bianca has ideas about modernizing the business.”
“She has never worked in property management.”
“She understands luxury branding.”
Claire almost smiled.
The private audit had already revealed that Julian planned to demand control of the company after the engagement. He believed marriage would make him appear stable enough to convince their elderly aunt, who owned another fifteen percent, to support him.
Bianca believed Claire was simply an employee who could be removed.
“You should be careful,” Claire said.
Bianca folded her arms.
“Is that a threat?”
“No. It is advice.”
Vanessa stepped between them.
“This jealousy is becoming embarrassing.”
Claire picked up her handbag.
“I’ll see you at the party.”
As she walked away, Bianca called after her.
“Wear the white dress. At least people will know who the bitter sister is.”
Claire did not turn around.
May you like
She had already decided exactly what she would wear.
And exactly when the party would end.
