Chapter 5 - The Dinner Invitation
The table was covered with a white cloth, candles, expensive wine, and dishes from a private chef. Vivian wore a burgundy dress and Rose’s pearl necklace.
Emily stopped in the doorway.
“Where did you get that?”
“Daniel gave it to me.”
“They belonged to my grandmother.”
Vivian removed the pearls with exaggerated patience. “Then keep your treasures in a museum.”
Emily placed them in her pocket. “What are we celebrating?”
Daniel slid a folder across the table.
Inside was a proposal to refinance the apartment. The money would restart his consulting firm and renovate Vivian’s house.
Emily closed the folder.
“No.”
Daniel’s jaw tightened. “You haven’t reviewed the numbers.”
“I will not borrow against this apartment.”
“A wife invests in her husband,” Vivian said.
“I supported him for two years.”
“You controlled him for two years.”
Daniel struck the table with his palm. The glasses trembled.
“Sign the papers.”
Emily felt fear move through her, but beneath it was something stronger.
“No.”
Daniel came around the table and stood close enough to make the threat clear.
“You enjoy making me beg.”
“I am protecting my home.”
“There it is again. My home. My money. My grandmother.”
“Because they are legally mine.”
Vivian laughed, sharp and triumphant.
Daniel pointed toward the door.
“Then leave.”
Emily stared at him.
“Get out of my mother’s house,” he said. “Right now.”
May you like
For one stunned second, no one moved.
They had repeated the lie so often that they had begun to believe it.
