“Good afternoon, and Ms. Caldwell is currently waiting for your arrival on the north terrace where lunch will be served immediately following the opening toast,” the butler announced.
Lydia stepped out of the car first while clutching her designer handbag like a shield as she looked up at the towering glass and stone architecture of the modern mansion.
Dominic stared at the foyer which featured priceless pieces of contemporary art and high ceilings that allowed a bright, clean light to flood the entire space with an air of luxury.
Nothing about the estate seemed borrowed or temporary, and the sheer scale of the property made the Weston’s prestigious home in the city look like a small cottage in comparison.
The staff led the family to a terrace where a long table was set with handcrafted ceramics from Europe and crystal glasses that caught the sunlight like diamonds.
Professional chefs were busy working in an expansive outdoor kitchen while waiters moved silently among the guests to serve refreshing drinks infused with fresh herbs and berries.
I finally appeared from the side of the house and walked slowly toward them while wearing a deep navy blue silk dress that flowed elegantly with every step I took.
I did not try to impress them with grand gestures or frantic energy, but instead I approached them with a sense of calm authority that they had never seen from me before.
Lydia looked me up and down with a desperate need to find some kind of flaw or proof that this entire display was nothing more than a well staged lie.
Elena, I must admit that this is quite a performance, but I really have to ask who actually lent you this house for the day?” Dominic asked with a forced, shaky smile.
“Nobody lent me this house, Dominic, because I have owned this property and several others like it since long before I ever had the misfortune of meeting your family,” I replied.
“Do not play these childish games with us because we know perfectly well that a woman from your background could never afford the maintenance on a place like this,” Lydia snapped.
At that exact moment, my executive assistant approached the table with a sleek black leather folder and stood respectfully by my side while the Westons watched in silence.
