The gala is incredible. In all my years, I’ve never seen a place decorated in such finery. Everything glitters like diamonds and I lose track of how many crystal animal sculptures we pass. Dean tells me that each sculpture will be auctioned off to raise money for the animal charity, as well as a few well-placed words to make those with the deepest pockets donate the most for the social points it will grant them. This entire thing seems like a game to him and he navigates it with ease.
My father, while powerful and rich, was never in the same bracket as the Savoys, although few can say they are. The Savoysare elite in terms of wealth and stature, and it’s very clear as we wander the party and meet everyone he needs to appease. It further cements my belief that Dean can never find out I’m lying to him. Every single vulture in here would descend on his throat the second they learned he was doing something as shameful as marrying a disowned woman.
Stature and reputation are almost more important than the zeros in your bank accounts.
“Do you think people are buying it?” I ask quietly as we pause for drinks after two loops of the gala hall.
“Your looking absolutely beautiful is selling it.” Dean smiles over the rim of his glass. “People can’t take their eyes off you and I don’t blame them.”
“Oh, please, if anything, it’s the cute puppies on all those banners that people can’t take their eyes off.”
“Maybe.” Dean tilts his head, clearly not believing me. “People will donate without much argument when it comes to animals, but to have that kind of compassion for people? Unheard of.”
“I’m not surprised.” Glancing around, everyone is so clearly in competition with one another over who is richer, who is more powerful, and whose product is of a higher quality. I can’t imagine anyone here having compassion for their fellow man.
“Are you okay?” Dean places his hand on my arm. “We can take a break if you need?”
“Oh, no. I’m fine. I’m just a bit sad that my sister wasn’t able to make it, that’s all.”
Dean’s brow pinches. “I’m sorry about that. Did she tell you why?”
My heart rate picks up slightly. “No, actually. She never got back to me. It’s… really strange.”
Dean leans closer. “Are you worried? Do you want me to look into it?”
I’m about to reply when a man and a woman sweep past giggling loudly. “Dean!” The man bellows. “How good to see you. What a fantastic party you’ve thrown. And this must be your gorgeous fiancée, Clover. What a vision you are!” He snatches my hand and kisses my knuckles while the woman I presume to be his wife glances down at me with an uneasy smile.
“What a beautiful dress,” she says. “Is that a Llewyn dress?”
“Yes,” Dean answers quickly. “She’s a good friend.”
“I had no idea she dressed—” The woman catches herself quickly. “Uh, such short notice, I mean. She told me she was booked for the season.”
“What can I say? She knows how to spend her time well,” I reply smoothly despite the frantic fluttering of my heart.
“Indeed,” the woman replies stiffly.
“Forgive my wife,” the man says, leaning forward. “Actually, Clover, you’re a Byrne, right? I’m actually good friends with your uncle. I’m Terrance. Terrance Bigsby. Has he mentioned me?”
Suddenly, all eyes are on me and I freeze completely. I have no idea who this man is, and since I’ve been cut out of the family for four years, my knowledge of my uncle’s dealings are minimal.
“Come to think of it,” Terrance says thoughtfully, “I don’t remember him mentioning a niece.”
My heart drops.
Shit.
15
DEAN
“Is he not here tonight?” Terrance glances around and scans the crowd as if Clover’s uncle will just melt out of the crowd. “Surely, he’s here to help with your presentation into your engagement?”
Clover’s lips part, but no sound comes out while a pink flush spreads across her cheeks. She’s visibly distressed by Terrance’s insistent pressure about her uncle. Is he the main cause of the family’s financial difficulties? If so, it can’t be easy for her to talk about him in public.
“He’s uhm…” Clover hesitates momentarily. “He’s actually out of the country on business at the moment.”
“I bet he’s in Vegas, right?” Terrance laughs loudly. “That man cannot stay away from a blackjack table. Out of the country!” He laughs louder, drawing the attention of several other attendees, and Clover looks like she wants the ground to open up and swallow her on the spot.
