The dining room table was set for five. The crystal glasses gleamed under the chandelier light. Elenore adjusted a fork, moving it a millimeter to the right. Cedrick demanded "minimalist aesthetics," which meant everything had to be geometrically perfect.
She placed the name cards. Joseph Parsons. Mrs. Parsons.
Her step-mother and step-brother. The people who had sold her to Cedrick to pay off their gambling debts.
Cedrick entered the room. He checked his watch. "They are late. Typical."
Elenore turned to him. "Does Julianna know about this dinner? About the photo op?"
Cedrick ignored the question. He pointed to her dress. "Straighten your neckline. You look disheveled."
The doorbell rang.
Elenore's stomach churned. She walked to the foyer as the butler opened the door.
Mrs. Parsons swept in. She was wearing a leopard print coat that was far too loud for the Hamptons. Her hair was dyed a harsh, brassy blonde. Joseph trailed behind her, sweating in a suit that was too tight around the collar.
Elenore! Mrs. Parsons cried, grabbing Elenore in a hug that smelled of cheap perfume and cigarettes. "Look at you. Living in a palace while we suffer in that drafty townhouse."
Hello, Brenda, Elenore said stiffly, pulling away.
Cedrick walked into the foyer. He put on a smile that was dazzling in its falseness. "Brenda. Joseph. Welcome."
Cedrick! Mrs. Parsons practically drooled. "You look successful as always."
They moved to the drawing room. Joseph immediately pulled a crumpled sheaf of papers from his pocket. "Cedrick, I have this idea for a blockchain integration with the logistics arm..."
Cedrick took a sip of his sparkling water. "We'll discuss business after dinner, Joseph. Let's enjoy the family time."
Family time. Elenore wanted to vomit.
Mrs. Parsons leaned in close to Elenore while the men talked. "Make sure he signs the check tonight, Elenore. If he doesn't, the bank takes the townhouse on Monday."
I don't control his checkbook, Brenda, Elenore whispered.
You're his wife, Brenda hissed, her nails digging into Elenore's arm. "Use your body if you have to. Cry. Beg. I don't care. Just get the money."
Elenore pulled her arm away. "I can't."
Brenda sneered. "Useless. Just like your mother."
Elenore walked away, feeling nauseous. She went to the bar to get a glass of water. Cedrick appeared beside her.
Your brother is sweating on my Italian silk upholstery, he said, his voice low and filled with disdain.
Give them the money and get them out, Elenore pleaded. "Please."
Cedrick looked at her. "I want something in return. Public affection. Tonight. When the photographer comes out."
Fine, Elenore said. She felt like she was selling pieces of her soul by the hour.
Dinner was served. It was a series of tiny, artistic portions of vegan foam and roasted root vegetables.
Joseph ate ravenously, scraping his plate with his fork. Cedrick watched him with open disgust.
So, Cedrick said, tapping his glass. "To family values."
To family! Brenda chirped, raising her glass.
Elenore saw Joseph shift in his seat. While Cedrick was momentarily distracted by Brenda's fawning, Joseph glanced down at his phone in his lap. His thumb moved quickly, the screen's glow illuminating his nervous face. Elenore's eyes narrowed. It was a brazen, foolish risk to take in front of a man like Cedrick.
She caught a glimpse of the notification banner before he angled the phone away.
New Message from J.B.: Is he buying it? Text me when you leave.
J.B.
Julianna Baird.
Elenore frowned. Why was her step-brother texting her husband's mistress? And asking if Cedrick was "buying it"?
A cold realization washed over her. Joseph wasn't just here for money. He was a spy.
To loyalty, Cedrick said, locking eyes with Elenore. His gaze was dead, empty.
Elenore raised her glass. Her hand shook. "To loyalty," she echoed, her mind racing.
