Chapter 6 - Before Dinner
Inside the estate, the Laurents behaved as though they had conquered enemy territory.
Beatrice ordered family portraits removed from the ballroom because their frames did not match her floral design. Victor transformed Edmund’s private study into a reception room for investors. Their staff placed Laurent hotel brochures beside every dinner plate.
Mrs. Alvarez objected.
“Mr. Vale did not approve commercial materials.”
Beatrice did not look at her.
“Mr. Vale is elderly. He will appreciate someone taking responsibility.”
“This is his home.”
“Tonight it represents both families.”
“No,” Mrs. Alvarez said. “Tonight it remains his home.”
Beatrice turned sharply.
“What is your name?”
“Teresa Alvarez.”
“After tonight, Teresa, I suggest you remember who will eventually manage this estate.”
Mrs. Alvarez smiled without warmth.
“I already know.”
Celeste moved through the ballroom correcting every detail.
She demanded the musicians replace a classical program with something “more impressive.” She ordered an arrangement of white orchids discarded because two flowers had brown edges. She made a waiter change jackets because his sleeves were slightly long.
Adrian watched from the entrance.
She saw him and immediately softened.
“You are here.”
“I have been here for twenty minutes.”
“I was making certain everything was perfect for us.”
“For us?”
She approached and adjusted his tie.
“For our future.”
Adrian looked around the room.
Laurent brochures covered the tables. A large gold sign displayed Celeste’s initials beside his. The Vale family photographs had vanished.
“Where are the portraits?”
“Mother thought the walls looked crowded.”
“She removed my family from their own ballroom?”
“They are only paintings.”
“One of them is my grandmother.”
Celeste sighed.
“Adrian, please do not start another argument tonight.”
“I am not the one who changed everything.”
“This dinner will help my father reassure his investors. It will help both families.”
“At no point did anyone ask me whether I wanted the Vale name used to reassure his investors.”
Her eyes hardened.
“We are getting married. Your family’s strength becomes my family’s strength.”
“That is not how a marriage works.”
“It is how the world works.”
There was a silence between them.
Celeste took his hand.
“Listen to me. Once we are married, no one will remember these small disagreements. My parents will recover. Your grandfather will see that I am capable. You will take control of the company, and we will build something enormous.”
“What if I never take control?”
“You will.”
“What if my grandfather gives the position to someone else?”
“He would not dare.”
Adrian slowly pulled his hand away.
Celeste realized her mistake.
“I mean, it would be unfair after all your work.”
Before Adrian could answer, Victor called Celeste from across the room.
A banker had arrived.
She kissed Adrian’s cheek and hurried away.
He remained where he was, watching her welcome the banker with a smile bright enough for every camera in the room.
Then a staff member approached him.
“Sir, your grandfather asked me to give you this.”
It was a small note written in Edmund’s hand.
Stand near the west windows at six thirty. Do not let her see you.
May you like
Adrian checked the time.
Six twenty-seven.
