The champagne fountain sparkled under the crystal chandelier as I stepped into the Riverside Country Club\u2019s grand ballroom. I\u2019d chosen a simple navy dress \u2014 nothing flashy, just appropriate for the charity gala I\u2019d been invited to attend. The invitation had come through my investment firm\u2019s community outreach program, and I\u2019d been looking forward to a quiet evening supporting local causes.I should have known better than to expect peace when my family was involved. \u201cWhat are you doing here?\u201dMy sister Victoria\u2019s voice cut through the elegant chamber music like a blade. She stood near the registration table in a glittering silver gown that probably cost more than most people\u2019s monthly rent, her perfectly manicured hand clutching a champagne flute so hard I thought the stem might snap.\u201cHello, Victoria,\u201d I said calmly. \u201cI was invited to the gala.\u201d\u201cInvited?\u201d She laughed \u2014 sharp, mocking. \u201cBy whom?The catering staff?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Three women from her social circle giggled behind their hands. They all wore the same expression of manufactured surprise, as if my presence were the scandal of the century. \u201cI have an invitation,\u201d I said, reaching into my clutch.\u201cOh, I\u2019m sure you do.\u201d She stepped closer, her perfume overwhelming. \u201cProbably printed it yourself at whatever little office job you\u2019re pretending is a career these days. This is a $5,000-per-plate event, Maya.Do you even know what that means?\u201dI did know what it meant. I knew exactly what it meant because I\u2019d approved the pricing structure myself when the club\u2019s board had consulted with me about the fundraiser. But I said nothing.Simply stood there with a slight smile. \u201cVictoria darling.\u201dOur mother\u2019s voice rang out across the ballroom. Margaret Anderson swept toward us in a burgundy gown, diamonds glittering at her throat.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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