Chapter 5 - The Grand ArrivalBy seven o'clock in the evening, the Callaway estate was ablaze with magnificent lights. Luxury sedans, sleek sports cars, and armored limousines lined the long, winding driveway. The grand ballroom was packed with over two hundred elite guests—billionaire investors, politicians, high-society socialites, and prominent journalists.
Flashbulbs popped continuously near the entrance as reporters photographed the arriving aristocracy. Inside, waiters in black tuxedos floated through the crowd carrying silver trays of vintage champagne and beluga caviar.
Nathaniel Callaway stood near the center of the room, looking breathtakingly handsome in a custom-tailored dark charcoal tuxedo. Yet despite his sharp appearance and powerful stature, his expression was reserved. He spent the evening exchanging polite handshakes with corporate board members, his mind occasionally drifting. He kept glancing toward the side doors, wondering why Grace and Lily hadn't come into the main room yet. He had specifically asked his secretary to set aside a small table near the front for them so Lily could enjoy the music and dessert.
Suddenly, a grand trumpet fanfare echoed over the loudspeaker system. The crowd parted, and applause erupted as Vivien Marsh made her dramatic entry down the sweeping marble staircase.
She looked stunning. She wore a floor-length emerald green satin gown adorned with diamonds, her blonde hair styled in flawless waves. She smiled brilliantly for the flashing cameras, waving softly like royalty.
Nathaniel walked to the base of the stairs, extending his hand to help her down. "You look beautiful, Vivien," he said politely.
"Thank you, my love," Vivien purred, placing her hand in his and kissing his cheek. "It’s a magical night. Everyone is talking about how marvelous this event is."
A senior journalist from the Boston Chronicle, holding a microphone accompanied by a cameraman, approached the couple. "Mr. Callaway! Miss Marsh! Congratulations on your engagement! We also heard a rumor that you are sharing this special night to host a birthday party for your housekeeper's little girl. Is that true?"
Vivien didn't hesitate for a fraction of a second. She placed a delicate hand over her heart, her eyes beaming with fake tears of maternal warmth.
"Oh, absolutely!" Vivien said into the microphone, her voice dripping with artificial sweetness. "Nathaniel and I believe that family and kindness come first. Little Lily is such a precious soul. We bought her the most wonderful toys and ensured she feels just as loved as anyone in this house tonight. It’s our joy to share our happiness with those who serve us so faithfully."
The journalist clapped his hands in admiration. "What an extraordinary, heartwarming story! Truly, a modern-day fairytale!"
Nathaniel looked down at Vivien, slightly surprised by her glowing speech. He smiled faintly, touched that she seemed to care so deeply about the household staff. "Where are they, Vivien?" Nathaniel asked quietly under his breath. "I wanted to make sure Lily received the gift I bought her."
Vivien’s smile faltered for a tiny second before reverting to her radiant mask. "Oh, darling, you know how small children are. The little girl got tired early and went to sleep downstairs. Grace insisted on staying with her. It’s best we don't disturb them."
"I see," Nathaniel said, feeling a slight sting of disappointment. "I'll pop down to check on them later."
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Little did Vivien know, standing behind the heavy velvet curtains near the back of the stage, Grace had heard every single word of Vivien's interview.
Grace was holding Lily in her arms. In her pocket, Grace’s hand was tightly gripping a small, burned silver object that Martha had managed to scoop out of the barbecue pit after Vivien had left—the melted, blackened remains of the elephant music box.
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