“You okay?” she murmured, handing Audrey a glass of sparkling water.
“Just tired,” Audrey replied, resting her hand on her belly. “The baby’s been kicking all day.”
Brenda studied her briefly, then let it go.
“All right,” she said. “But if you need me to accidentally drop a tray of crab puffs on someone, just give me the signal.”
That drew a genuine smile from Audrey.
Then Matthew tapped his glass.
The garden gradually quieted. Conversations faded. Guests turned toward him with expectant expressions.
“If I could have everyone’s attention for a moment,” he said, raising his glass, “I just want to say a few words to my incredible wife.”
A murmur of approval moved through the crowd.
“To Audrey,” he continued. “You are my rock, my inspiration. You designed our beautiful home, and now you’re designing our beautiful family. Watching you carry our child is the greatest joy of my life, and I cannot wait to begin this next chapter with you.”
The reaction was exactly what he expected—soft sighs, warm smiles, admiration.
Audrey smiled back, but something in her expression had shifted. The softness had vanished. Beneath it was something polished, unyielding.
Matthew inhaled lightly and continued.
“But today is full of surprises,” he said with a practiced grin. “And I actually have a special guest I’d like to introduce. Someone who has become very important to me—and to the future of my company. A real rising star.”
The mood shifted, subtle but unmistakable. Curiosity sharpened. Guests exchanged glances.
Matthew gestured toward the path near the oak trees.
A woman stepped out from the shade.
She was in her late twenties, striking in a way designed to attract attention. Her crimson dress clashed deliberately against the soft whites and blues of the gathering. In her hands, she carried a Tiffany box.
“This is Kendra Foster,” Matthew announced. “My senior vice president of acquisitions, and a vital part of our future.”
The silence that followed was immediate.
Even those unaware could feel it.
Kendra approached with a controlled smile that barely concealed her satisfaction. She looked directly at Audrey.
“Audrey,” she said, “it’s such an honor to finally meet you. Matthew talks about you all the time. I’m so happy to be here to celebrate with you.”
It wasn’t just her presence—it was the audacity. The deliberate timing. The fact that Matthew had chosen this moment, this day, this audience. He wasn’t merely revealing something—he was attempting to redefine the narrative publicly and force Audrey to accept it with grace.
Corrine’s expression tightened. Even she hadn’t anticipated this.
Brenda stiffened beside Audrey.
But Audrey did not react.
She looked at Kendra. Then at Matthew. Then at the crowd.
“Kendra,” she said calmly. “Thank you for coming. Matthew is right. It is a day full of surprises.”
Then she turned back to her husband.
“In fact, your timing is perfect,” she added. “We’ve opened all the other gifts. All that’s left is mine. The one I bought for the baby.”
She gestured toward the white box tied with the black bow.
“Brenda,” she said softly, “would you mind?”
Confused but loyal, Brenda stepped forward, lifted the box—it was heavier than expected—and placed it in front of Audrey.
Matthew laughed lightly, relieved too soon.
“Another gift,” he said. “You spoil me.”
Audrey met his gaze.
“This gift isn’t for you,” she said. “It’s for our child. It’s a gift of truth. And I think it’s only right that everyone here—including your special guest—gets to share in it.”
Her hand rested on the lid.
And the final act began.
