Chapter 2: The Exit Through the Gilded Hall
The hem of Eleanor’s navy gown swept the ballroom floor with the steady, unhurried rhythm of a pendulum.
Around her, the whispers began like a rising tide. Socialites in diamond chokers leaned across floral centerpieces; corporate executives paused with forks mid-air; Julian’s groomsmen exchanged alarmed, bewildered glances.
""Mother! Get back here!"" Julian called out, his voice cracking over the microphone before the audio engineer abruptly cut the feed, leaving the vast hall in a stunned, echoing hush.
Victoria snatched the microphone, her porcelain smile straining at the seams as she addressed the room. ""Please, everyone, enjoy the champagne! A minor family misunderstanding! The orchestra will resume immediately!""
The conductor frantically raised his baton, launching into a nervous waltz, but the celebratory illusion was irrevocably punctured.
Eleanor reached the grand mahogany double doors of the foyer. Waiting by the coat check was Arthur Campbell, her family’s estate attorney for forty-two years—a tall, white-haired man in a classic wool overcoat, holding a warm cashmere wrap and a slim leather briefcase.
""Did they show you the live feed, Eleanor?"" Arthur asked quietly as he draped the wrap around her shoulders.
""They did, Arthur,"" Eleanor replied, her voice smooth and devoid of venom. ""Victoria’s sister is on the front porch of Green Pastures.""
Arthur looked down at his watch, a faint, wry smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. ""Then Caroline has arrived precisely on schedule to meet the United States Marshals.""
Eleanor took a deep, clean breath of the night air as the valet brought around her modest dark sedan.
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""Let’s go home, Arthur,"" Eleanor said. ""The theater in Connecticut is finished. The harvest in Virginia is waiting.""
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