Chapter 6 - The Invitation
On the morning of the gala, a new invitation arrived at Catherine’s apartment.
This one had been hand-delivered.
Your presence is expected. Do not create a scene.
The message was unsigned, but Catherine recognized her mother’s handwriting.
Vivian had apparently decided that Catherine’s absence would attract questions. The perfect family portrait required both daughters, even if one was expected to remain invisible.
Mara advised Catherine not to attend.
“The inspectors already have enough evidence to enter the property.”
“My father will delay them.”
“Not for long.”
“He’ll tell the guests it’s a misunderstanding. He’ll blame a contractor or a clerk.”
“Then let him.”
Catherine shook her head.
“He has controlled every story in this family because he speaks first and loudest. Not tonight.”
She chose the sapphire gown her grandmother had given her before she died. It was elegant but simple, nothing like Paige’s glittering custom dress.
Before leaving, Catherine placed a small recording device inside her evening bag.
At the country club, the ballroom looked more beautiful than the photographs.
That made it more frightening.
The chandelier hung like a frozen waterfall above the tables. Hundreds of crystals reflected warm golden light across the ceiling.
Catherine noticed a faint separation in one decorative ceiling panel near the northern beam.
Nathan had warned her to look for it.
She photographed the gap discreetly.
Vivian appeared beside her.
“You came.”
“You asked me to.”
Her mother’s gaze moved over the plain silver earrings and sapphire gown.
“Try not to look miserable. Tonight is about Paige.”
“Of course it is.”
Vivian leaned closer.
“Your father told me you’ve been harassing the building department.”
“I reported a safety risk.”
“You reported your jealousy.”
Catherine studied her mother’s face.
“Did you read any of the documents?”
“I don’t need documents to understand my own daughter.”
That sentence hurt more than Catherine expected.
May you like
Vivian had made her decision without examining a single fact.
Catherine was guilty because believing her would be inconvenient.
