“Hmm.” Stella’s brow creased. “I see.”
“I asked Ethan to intervene, but I’m not sure if he’s going to be any more successful. Can you help?”
“Of course,” Stella said, her voice decisive. “I’ll host a party for the family. It’s always easier to talk to people in a social setting than some formal board meeting.”
“Great. Thanks, Mom.” Then something else occurred to him. “Are we going to have it at my place or yours?”
“Ideally, mine.”
“Amandine won’t be able to come in that case.”
Stella nodded. “But I think your house would make it appear too top-down, especially with you providing a big chunk of the fund. Mine’s more neutral. If you want, we can have another party at your place to celebrate Amandine’s pregnancy. Then later we girls can plan a baby shower for her. I’m sure Meredith would be thrilled to organize it.”
Gavin nodded. She made perfect sense, and she was correct about Meredith. His sister would love to organize something for Amandine. “I knew you’d have a solution.”
“I always do.” Stella smiled radiantly. “Now, take me home and go make your wife happy.”
* * *
Wrapped in a warm white robe, Amandine lay bonelessly on her bed. On the other side was Brooke, in a matching robe and just as limp.
The masseuses had magic hands. Amandine couldn’t remember the last time she had been this relaxed.
“We should book massages for you every week,” Brooke mumbled, her eyes closed.
“Mm hmm.” She had never bothered before because of her frugal habits. But maybe she shouldn’t cling to her old ways. It wasn’t like Gavin would miss the money.
Luna walked in. “Amandine… Your cousin’s here.”
Amandine jerked around, the relaxed euphoria instantly evaporating. “Catherine?”
“Yes. Would you like to see her?”
What did her cousin want? Had she somehow found out that Amandine had tried to visit? “Um…sure. Yes, that’s fine.”
“Will she be joining you for dinner?”
“I don’t know. Maybe.”
Amandine had just enough time to sit up and pull her robe together before Catherine strolled in like the queen of the world. An expensively tailored black and red silk dress fit her like a glove, and the air around her smelled like old money and impeccable breeding. Her dark hair curled and bounced about her slender neck and shoulders in artful layers. Careful makeup enlarged her eyes, and pale coral lip-gloss coated her lips. She didn’t look anything like a wronged, heart-broken wife.
Self-conscious, Amandine tugged at her robe. Her face was free of makeup, and her hair was brushed but left unstyled. Forced to choose, people would probably have mistaken her for the heart-broken one.
“Hi, Brooke. Would you mind giving us some time alone?” Catherine said.
Brooke glanced at Amandine, who nodded. She gestured to the masseuses and left the room, quietly closing the door behind her.
When they were in private, Catherine sat down on the edge of the bed, smoothing her dress just so. The silk settled properly to accentuate the stunning lines of her body. “I came by to give you this.” She handed Amandine a wedding band. “Gavin forgot it at my place. I didn’t see it until a few days ago.”
“Thank you.” She took it and rolled it between her forefinger and thumb. “Why didn’t you give it to him?”
“I tried, but according to Hilary he’s up in Maryland.” Catherine studied Amandine. “Are you really going to leave him?”
“What?”
“I saw the photos. Cei
nlys does take some good shots.”