Chapter 7 - The Invitation
Jason insisted Margaret attend the christening.
That alone made Isabella suspicious.
For months, he had called her mother dirty, poor, and socially embarrassing.
Now he personally approved her invitation.
“Family should be present,” he said.
Evelyn smiled.
“It will show everyone how generous we are.”
Isabella understood.
They wanted witnesses.
Margaret’s clothes would be judged.
Her discomfort would be mocked.
If Isabella reacted, Jason would present it as emotional instability.
Helen suggested canceling the event.
Isabella refused.
“They need to expose themselves.”
“It could become dangerous.”
“I know.”
Isabella arranged private security through the trust.
She invited two additional lawyers, a board representative, and a county investigator reviewing financial fraud.
They would wait in an adjoining conference room until called.
Margaret reluctantly agreed to attend.
“I don’t care what they say about me.”
“I do.”
“Then don’t fight for my pride. Fight for your freedom.”
Isabella chose a champagne gown that made her look composed and untouchable.
She dressed Noah in the cream christening blanket Margaret had sewn by hand.
Before leaving home, Jason kissed Isabella’s cheek.
“Tonight changes everything.”
She looked into his eyes.
“Yes.”
He mistook her calm for surrender.
At the hotel, Evelyn inspected Margaret from head to toe.
“You wore that cardigan?”
Margaret answered quietly.
“It’s clean.”
Evelyn smiled with open cruelty.
May you like
“That isn’t the same as appropriate.”
👉 Evelyn thought Margaret had arrived powerless—but the woman she humiliated had already authorized the removal of every Cross family privilege.
