Chapter 3

3. Really, the very thing I dreaded came to pass.

I figured I'd sell off the paintings and calligraphy I'd collected over the years.

Pay off part of the debt first.

Then pay the rest on schedule, even if it meant a little extra interest.

This construction company in particular was owed the biggest chunk.

It had to be dealt with first.

I called Grayson Chavez at the construction company right away.

"Uncle Grayson, didn't we have a deal?"

"I'll make up the money in full, and you promised you wouldn't sue me for now."

"Besides, didn't the police already rule it an accident?"

There were a few seconds of silence on the other end, then Uncle Grayson sighed.

"Thomas, I understand how hard this is for you."

"But it's a decision from up top."

"I'm caught in the middle. There's nothing I can do."

My heart sank, and I pressed him.

"Uncle Grayson, who wants to sue me?"

He didn't dare say.

He just brushed me off with a couple of vague lines.

"Don't ask anymore."

"Take my advice and hire a good lawyer."

"You might be out in two years at most."

I glanced at the bedroom door, then turned and walked toward the balcony.

I lowered my voice and said to Uncle Grayson.

"Uncle Grayson, I'm being framed."

"Someone is setting me up on purpose."

"Those substandard wires—I never ordered them."

Uncle Grayson didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"Thomas, quit with the conspiracy theories all the time."

"Didn't you say yourself last time that you might have gotten them mixed up?"

"Why are you changing your story again?"

I opened my mouth, wanting to explain.

"Uncle Grayson, that was before I'd looked into it—"

"All right, all right, I've got other things going on."

"I'm hanging up now."

I stood on the balcony, my mind a complete mess.

That night, Violet never opened the bedroom door.

So I slept in the guest room for the night.

Early the next morning, she started dressing up with great care.

I walked by carrying a glass of water.

She was penciling her eyebrows in front of the mirror, not even looking at me.

"I've got a class reunion tonight."

I answered flatly.

"Oh."

Her hand paused for a moment.

"Do you want to come along?"

I asked back, "Do you want me to go?"

Her hand stopped for a second as she was putting on lipstick.

"Suit yourself."

"But they're all my old classmates."

"You won't know anyone there, so it'll probably be awkward."

I was sure she wouldn't let me go.

And of course, I had no intention of asking for that kind of trouble.

"You go ahead. I've got things to do today."

"Fine, then get some good rest at home."

Deep down she was hoping I'd say I wasn't going.

On top of that, I had to sell off the family's belongings today.

Clear out the valuables in the house first.

After Violet left.

I sat on the couch and called a few regular buyers.

Asked if they wanted to take the paintings and calligraphy.

A lower price was fine.

Just as I was talking, there was a knock at the door.

I went over and opened it.

Prudence Matthews—Violet's best friend—was standing at the door.

She gave me a little wave.

"Mind if I come in and talk?"

I looked past her, surprised.

"Violet just left."

Prudence smiled. "I know. I came here specifically to see you."

Puzzled, I still let her in.

She didn't beat around the bush, going straight to the point.

"Violet isn't going to a class reunion tonight."

I looked at her, waiting for her to go on.

"She lied to you."

"And what about you?"

"What are you getting at, telling me all this?"

Prudence didn't explain.

She just pulled an invitation out of her bag.

"Seven o'clock tonight."

"The Century Grand, the private banquet hall."

"Violet and Nat Delgado are holding their engagement party there."