Chapter 8 - Eighty-Five Thousand Dollars
The family photograph was taken beneath the chandelier.
Richard stood in the center with Vivian on one side and Paige on the other. Catherine was placed near the edge.
The photographer asked everyone to smile.
Catherine stared directly into the camera.
During dinner, guests praised Paige’s talent and asked about her plans. Paige spoke vaguely about launching a design company and developing luxury hotels.
Richard announced that the Whitmore Group would provide her with an office, employees, and initial funding.
The room applauded.
Catherine remained silent.
Then Vivian noticed the scratches.
Her face tightened.
“What have you done to yourself?”
Paige looked down at her champagne.
Catherine replied quietly, “Ask Paige.”
Vivian’s chair scraped against the floor.
“Do not ruin tonight with another accusation.”
Several guests turned toward them.
Richard tried to calm her, but Vivian had already stood.
“You don’t belong here, you ungrateful mistake!”
The ballroom fell silent.
Catherine felt the old instinct to shrink, apologize, and disappear.
Then she remembered the stolen drawings, the canceled contracts, the dangerous ceiling, and every year she had spent begging people to value her.
Paige lifted her glass.
“Please leave before you embarrass us again.”
Catherine wiped away one tear.
Her gaze moved over the roses, imported champagne, silk linens, and elaborate decorations.
“Eighty-five thousand dollars,” she said. “For a six-month certificate.”
Paige’s smile became rigid.
“At least I know how to celebrate someone else’s success.”
Catherine reached beneath the table and removed the sealed folder.
Vivian’s expression changed.
“You should have checked who designed this building,” Catherine said.
At the rear of the ballroom, the doors opened.
Mara entered with the inspectors and attorneys.
Richard stood so quickly that his chair fell backward.
Catherine placed the folder in front of Paige.
May you like
“Enjoy the party. The inspection starts now.”
For the first time in her life, Catherine watched her family realize that she was no longer asking for permission.
