CHAPTER 8: Celeste Learns Her Invitation Expired

Celeste tried to leave before anyone could stop her.
She gathered the hem of her silver dress and moved toward the side hall, where the staff entrance curved behind the orchids.
One of Charles’s security men stepped into her path.
He did not touch her.
He did not need to.
“Ms. Vale,” Daniel said, “you are not being detained. But you should preserve your phone.”
Celeste turned slowly.
“My phone?”
“Messages. Recordings. Instructions. Payments. Anything related to tonight.”
Grant shot her a look sharp enough to cut through silk.
That was when Amelia understood Celeste had not acted alone.
There had been planning behind the cruelty.
Not enough planning to find the camera, but enough to make the shove feel less like rage and more like strategy.
Celeste looked at Grant for rescue.
He looked away.
Luxury, Amelia thought, made cowards easier to see.