Chapter 4 - THE NIGHT OF THREE HUNDRED GUESTS
The engagement celebration began at seven.
By eight, the estate was full.
By nine, the musicians were playing beneath the chandeliers, and Camille was accepting compliments on her ivory gown.
Delphine moved between tables carrying empty glasses.
She had promised herself she would stay quiet.
Ruthie had warned her.
Odette had warned her.
Even her own fear had warned her.
But at 9:10, she saw Camille leave the ballroom.
And at 9:14, the light in the carriage house appeared.
Delphine followed at a distance.
She stopped behind the garden wall.
Inside, Malcolm Voss stood with his back to the window.
Camille faced him.
A lamp illuminated her mouth.
Delphine could see only fragments.
“Tomorrow…”
“…signed…”
“…Ferraro…”
Then Malcolm turned, and she lost the words.
Camille placed a blue folder on the table.
Malcolm removed a document.
He pointed to a signature line.
Camille shook her head.
Then she spoke slowly enough for Delphine to catch another fragment.
“…after the ceremony.”
Malcolm appeared angry.
He struck the table.
Camille stepped back.
Delphine couldn't hear the argument.
But she saw the fear on Camille's face.
For the first time, she wondered whether the fiancée was controlling the scheme or trapped inside it.
At 9:22, Camille returned to the ballroom.
Delphine watched her smile.
Watched her accept a glass of champagne.
Watched her kiss Elias on the cheek.
Then Delphine made her decision.
She approached Elias.
Raised her scarred hand.
And whispered the eleven words.
“She meets a man in the old carriage house. Every night. 9:14.”
Elias stared at her.
“What?”
Delphine swallowed.
“Your fiancée.”
His expression hardened.
“Explain.”
“She's been meeting someone.”
“Who?”
“Malcolm Voss.”
Elias went still.
Across the room, Camille noticed them.
Her smile disappeared.
She began walking toward Elias.
Delphine spoke quickly.
“He's connected to Hion Ridge Partners. My husband borrowed money from them. Something was wrong with the account. I think they're using your name—”
“Enough.”
Elias's voice was quiet.
But it cut through her sentence.
Delphine froze.
He looked toward Camille.
Then back at the maid.
“Do you understand what you're accusing her of?”
“Yes.”
“Do you have proof?”
Delphine swallowed.
“I saw them.”
“That isn't proof of a crime.”
“No, but—”
“Then stop.”
Camille arrived.
“Elias? What's happening?”
He looked at Delphine.
The maid's face was pale.
Her hands trembled.
“She's leaving,” Elias said.
Camille blinked.
“Leaving?”
Elias turned toward Otis.
“Escort her out.”
Delphine stared.
“Mr. Ferraro—”
“Now.”
The ballroom continued around them.
Music.
Laughter.
Glasses clinking.
Nobody noticed the maid being led toward the service entrance.
At the door, Delphine turned.
Elias was watching her.
For a moment, she thought he might call her back.
He didn't.
Outside, the night air was heavy and wet.
Otis handed her coat to her.
He looked uncomfortable.
“I'm sorry.”
Delphine pulled it on.
“Did he fire me?”
Otis hesitated.
“Yes.”
She nodded.
Then walked down the driveway.
May you like
Behind her, the Ferraro estate glowed like a palace.
And inside, Camille Ashford raised her glass to a future that was suddenly much closer than anyone realized.
