Chapter 5 - A House Built on Lies
The three days leading up to the Cross Global Gala were a study in extreme arrogance for the Norton family.
Bradley spent money like water. Confident that the twelve-million-dollar investment was a done deal, he leased a brand-new luxury sports car, bought Pamela a diamond brooch, and treated Tanya to a three-thousand-dollar designer gown. They paraded around the house, talking loudly about the VIP lifestyle that was about to become their reality.
Meredith had returned home for those three days, keeping her head down, acting the part of the meek, submissive wife just long enough to let them string their own noose. She quietly cleaned the dishes, packed her and Rosie’s personal belongings into small, hidden suitcases, and put her affairs in order.
On the afternoon of the Gala, the living room looked like a dressing room for a pretentious theater troupe.
Pamela was admiring herself in the full-length mirror, wearing a heavy silk dress that was entirely too formal, adjusting her new brooch. Tanya was doing her makeup at the dining table, complaining about the lighting, while Bradley paced the floor, double-checking his silk bow tie in every reflective surface he passed.
Meredith walked into the living room holding a laundry basket.
"Bradley," Meredith said calmly. "The dry cleaning for your spare shirts is back."
Bradley barely looked at her. "Just leave it on the couch, Meredith. And make sure Rosie is asleep early. We’ll be coming back late, and we might bring some executive associates home for drinks. I want this place spotless."
"Of course," Meredith said. "Are you sure you don't need me to accompany you? I could sit in the back."
Pamela let out a sharp, aristocratic cackle. "Sit in the back? Meredith, darling, look at you. You're wearing sweater rags. The people at the Grand Regency are billionaires, political leaders, and global investors. If you so much as walked into the foyer, security would escort you out thinking you were begging for change."
"Pamela’s right," Tanya added, applying a layer of bright pink lipstick—a deliberate choice that mirrored the color of the birthday frosting. "Some women are built for luxury, Meredith. And some women are built to wash the plates after the party is over. Know your lane."
Bradley laughed, walking over and slapping Tanya playfully on the rear. "Alright, ladies, the limo is outside. Let's go secure our empire."
Bradley paused at the door, turning to look at Meredith one last time. There was no warmth in his eyes, only a smug, triumphing disdain. "Don't wait up, Meredith. Tonight, my life changes forever. And when I get back, we're going to have a very serious talk about your future in this house."
"You're right about one thing, Bradley," Meredith said, meeting his gaze with a cold, clear stillness that made him pause for a fraction of a second. "Tonight, your life changes forever."
Bradley frowned, slightly unnerved by her tone, but the honk of the limousine horn outside quickly broke his focus. Grinning, he turned and walked out the door, followed by Pamela and Tanya, who were practically giggling with greed.
The moment the front door clicked shut, Meredith set down the laundry basket.
She walked upstairs to Rosie's room. Rosie was dressed in a beautiful, brand-new navy velvet dress that Edmund’s team had delivered earlier that morning.
"Is it time, Mommy?" Rosie asked, holding her small leather shoes.
"It's time, baby," Meredith said gently, kneeling to help her put on her shoes. "We're going to a party."
"Will there be cake?" Rosie asked innocently.
Meredith smiled, a dark, brilliant flash of satisfaction crossing her face.
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"Oh, yes, baby," Meredith whispered, taking her daughter's hand. "There will be cake. But this time, we get to choose who eats it."
They walked out to the curb where a second limousine—far larger, sleeker, and accompanied by two security escorts—was waiting. A driver in white gloves opened the door, bowing respectfully as Meredith Vance and her daughter stepped inside.
