Samantha lowered the paper.
No one spoke for a long time.
Then the mansion bell rang.
Everyone jumped.
Evelyn wiped her face.
“The Langfords.”
Victoria straightened instinctively.
Even now.
Even after everything.
“We cannot have this discussion in front of guests.”
Samantha looked at her.
The absurdity was almost breathtaking.
Victoria continued.
“Malcolm, put those papers away.”
“No.”
“Samantha, wash your face.”
Samantha stared.
“What?”
“The Langfords do not need to see a family dispute.”
Olivia whispered:
“Mom.”
Victoria ignored her.
“We will resolve this later.”
There it was.
The old order attempting to restore itself because guests were outside.
The bell rang again.
Victoria pointed toward the service hall.
“Samantha, please.”
Samantha looked at the sink.
Dirty glasses remained from afternoon preparations.
Her apron hung from a hook.
For most of her life, obedience happened before thought.
Her body would already be moving.
Not now.
She walked to the hook.
Took down the apron.
Victoria visibly relaxed.
Then Samantha folded it.
Slowly.
Placed it on the island.
“No.”
Victoria froze.
Samantha walked toward the front door.
Her mother stepped in front of her.
“What are you doing?”
“Answering the door.”
“You look terrible.”
“I’ve had a strange birthday.”
“Samantha.”
She opened the door.
Arthur Langford stood outside with his son Adrian and two other guests.
Arthur smiled.
“Victoria.”
Then noticed the room behind Samantha.
Everyone crying.
Attorney.
Documents.
Atmosphere thick enough to touch.
His smile weakened.
Samantha stepped aside.
“Good evening.”
Victoria rushed forward.
“Arthur, there’s been a minor family matter.”
Arthur glanced toward Malcolm.
“I see.”
Adrian Langford looked at Samantha.
Not romantically.
Not dramatically.
Simply concerned.
“Are you all right?”
Victoria answered for her.
“She’s fine.”
Samantha looked at her mother.
Then at Adrian.
“No.”
Victoria’s face tightened.
Samantha continued:
“But I will be.”
Arthur cleared his throat.
“Perhaps tonight isn’t—”
“No,” Victoria said quickly.
“Please.”
She looked desperate.
“Dinner is ready.”
Arthur looked toward his son.
Adrian clearly wanted to leave.
Olivia stepped forward.
“Mr. Langford, I think we should reschedule.”
Victoria spun.