Chapter 8 - The Lunch Invitation
Then my phone buzzed. A text from Caroline. Rachel, this childish behavior has gone on long enough. Ethan is miserable. You are destroying this family because of one stupid dinner. Meet Madison and me for lunch tomorrow at Maison Laurent. 1 PM. It’s time to stop acting emotional and come home.
I read it twice. Then smiled. I’ll be there.
Maison Laurent was exactly the kind of place Caroline loved. Soft music. White tablecloths. Menus without prices. A room designed to make confrontation feel inappropriate. She liked public places because she believed manners were another weapon.
When I arrived, Caroline and Madison were already seated in a corner booth. Caroline wore cream silk. Madison held a champagne cocktail. The sapphire necklace was gone. I was not alone. Daniel walked beside me carrying a leather briefcase.
May you like
Caroline frowned. “Rachel, I said family only.” “This is Daniel.” I sat opposite her. “My attorney.” Madison rolled her eyes. “Seriously?” “Yes.” She laughed. “You’re still doing this? You slapped me, walked out, and now you’re pretending to be some victim. We’re willing to move past it if you stop this ridiculous divorce.”
I looked at him. “You’re willing to forgive me?” Madison shrugged. “Yes.” I nodded to Daniel. He opened the briefcase. Three folders appeared on the table.
