Chapter 5 - Playing the First Chord
On Thursday evening, the annual Mayfield Charity Gala was held at the historic Dock Street Theatre in downtown Charleston. It was the premier social event of the season, where the city’s elite gathered to drink champagne, flaunt their wealth, and bid on expensive art to show off their philanthropy.
Colin had begged me to go. "Please, Natalie. My father is expecting us. If you don't show up, it will look like a declaration of war. He’s already furious that you took Lila and left on Sunday without his permission."
"I am going, Colin," I said, putting on a stunning, form-fitting emerald green silk dress. "But not for him. And certainly not for you."
When we arrived, the ballroom was a sea of glittering diamonds and tuxedos. Everett stood near the grand staircase, holding court with a group of local politicians and banking executives. Victoria stood beside him, draped in priceless pearls, her face a mask of elegant indifference.
When Everett saw me approach, his eyes narrowed, but he kept his polite, public smile intact.
"Natalie," he said, his voice dripping with condescending warmth. "So glad you could join us. I trust you've recovered from your... little emotional display on Sunday?"
"I’m doing wonderful, Everett," I said, stepping closer to him, ensuring my voice was low enough that only he and Victoria could hear. "In fact, I’ve never felt more clear-headed."
"Good," Everett sneered, leaning in slightly. "A family like ours has no room for fragility. I hope you've taught your daughter that lesson as well."
"Oh, Lila is doing great. She’s practicing her guitar every day," I said, watching Victoria's expression closely. "Actually, Everett, I was recently looking into some international investments. Particularly in southern France. Aix-en-Provence is beautiful this time of year, don't you think?"
Victoria froze. The champagne glass in her hand trembled, a single drop spilling over the crystal rim onto her white glove.
Everett looked confused, his brow furrowing. "What nonsense are you talking about, Natalie? We don't have investments in France."
"Not you, perhaps," I said, locking my eyes directly onto Victoria. "But some trusts are very generous with their offshore holdings. Especially when it comes to supporting... old family ghosts. Wouldn't you agree, Victoria?"
Victoria’s face drained of all color. She looked at me as if she were looking at an executioner. She knew instantly what I had found.
"Everett, darling," Victoria intervened, her voice tight and strained. "Would you get me another glass of champagne? This one is warm."
Everett looked between his wife and me, his suspicion mounting, but his public persona prevented him from causing a scene. "Of course, dear," he muttered, giving me a warning glare before walking toward the bar.
The moment he was out of earshot, Victoria grabbed my arm, her grip surprisingly tight. "How much do you know?" she whispered, her voice shaking with terror.
"I know everything, Victoria," I said, keeping my smile pleasant for the surrounding photographers. "I know Julian is alive. I know about the staged accident. And I know you've been embezzling from Mayfield Enterprises to fund his exile."
"If Everett finds out, he will ruin all of us," she hissed. "He will destroy Julian. He will dismantle my family's trust."
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"Then I suggest you come to my house tomorrow morning at ten o'clock," I said, patting her hand gently. "Otherwise, Everett will receive an anonymous folder containing all the bank records before lunch."
I turned and walked away, leaving the matriarch of the Mayfield family standing alone in the crowd, drowning in her own secrets.
