Chapter 1 - The Cupcake
The slap cracked across the ballroom louder than the string quartet.
Six-year-old Elliot stumbled sideways, one hand flying to his cheek, the cupcake falling from his other hand and landing frosting-first on the marble floor.
Gloria Caldwell stood over him in a sapphire gown, her face tight with disgust.
“Those are for important guests.”
For half a second, nobody moved.
Then Valentina Reyes crossed the room so fast her chair nearly tipped behind her.
“Mom!” Elliot cried.
She dropped to her knees and pulled him against her. His cheek was already turning pink beneath her palm.
“The waitress said I could have one,” he whispered.
“I know, baby.” Valentina looked up. “Gloria, what the hell is wrong with you?”
Gloria lifted her chin. “Someone has to teach him manners.”
Nathan Caldwell appeared beside them, jaw clenched. He did not look at his son first. He looked at the guests.
“It’s my sister’s wedding,” he said under his breath. “Don’t make this ugly.”
Valentina went completely still.
“You’re worried about ugly?” she asked.
Nathan lowered his voice. “Not here.”
Elliot pressed his face into her shoulder, then whispered, “Grandma says we’re only guests because Aunt Serena owns this place now.”
Valentina’s hand froze on his back.
“What did you say?”
Elliot pointed toward the head table, where Serena Caldwell was laughing beneath an arch of white roses.
“She said Aunt Serena owns the ballroom now. She said tomorrow it’ll be official.”
Valentina slowly rose.
She owned Blackthorn Estate. Every acre. Every stone. Every chandelier above them.
And Nathan knew it.
Across the room, Gloria’s face changed.
May you like
Not guilt.
Fear.
