Chapter 5 - The InvitationWhen Elias came home that evening, I was sitting on the sofa wearing a stunning navy dress, holding a heavy, gold-embossed envelope.
"What's that?" Elias asked, taking off his work jacket, looking exhausted from a day of trying to figure out how to manipulate me.
"Dad got us tickets," I said casually, tossing the gold envelope onto the coffee table. "It’s for the Wilson Pacific Development Anniversary Gala at the Fairmont Hotel next Tuesday."
Elias stopped dead in his tracks. His eyes bulged. "The Wilson Pacific Gala?! Chloe, those tickets are ten thousand dollars each! How the hell did your dad get tickets to that?!"
"Oh, you know Dad," I waved my hand dismissively. "He’s been working construction for Wilson Pacific for thirty years. The higher-ups throw a few general admission tickets to the veteran site workers every year. He gave them to me."
Elias lunged for the envelope, pulling out the three gold-leaf cards inside. His hands were literally shaking with greed.
Wilson Pacific Development was the crown jewel of California real estate. Being in that room meant access to billionaire investors, venture capitalists, and politicians.
"Three tickets..." Elias whispered, his mind racing. "Chloe... your dad gave you three tickets?"
"Yes," I said innocently. "I thought we could bring your mother! She loves fancy parties."
Elias looked at the third ticket, a dark, calculating light igniting in his eyes. "Actually... babe... my mom should definitely come. But... what if we take Brenda instead of your dad? Your dad’s just a construction guy, he’d be uncomfortable around all those rich snobs anyway. But Brenda needs to network for her interior design business!"
I stared at him, pretending to look hurt. "Skip my own father?"
"Chloe, think practically!" Elias pushed, stepping closer, grabbing my hands. "Your dad wears work boots and drinks Coors Light. He’d hate a black-tie gala! But Brenda... Brenda would shine there! And it would be great for our family brand!"
Our family brand. The sheer, shameless audacity was breathtaking.
"Well... if you really think Dad wouldn't enjoy it..." I feigned hesitation.
"I know he wouldn't!" Elias declared triumphantly, kissing my cheek. "You're the best, Chloe! Truly! I'm gonna call Mom and Brenda right now!"
He practically skipped into the bedroom, pulling out his phone.
Within three minutes, I heard him on speaker with Cynthia and Brenda in the hallway:
Elias: "I got them! Three VIP tickets to the Wilson Pacific Gala! The stupid girl thinks her dad just got worker freebies!"
Cynthia: "Brilliant! Elias, this is the night. We announce Brenda’s pregnancy to the press at the gala. We drop the hint that Chloe has been abusing substances and you're stepping up as a guardian. She won't survive the scandal!"
Brenda: "I'm buying a ten-thousand-dollar gown on Chloe’s joint credit card tonight! I deserve to look like a queen!"
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I sat on the sofa in the quiet living room, holding my glass of iced tea, listening to them laugh.
"Enjoy the gown, Brenda," I whispered softly to the empty room. "It’s the last expensive thing you’ll ever wear."
