Chapter 2 - The Lincoln Park Fortress
Back at the Lincoln Park townhouse, the initial shock of Evelyn’s departure had quickly curdled into defensive arrogance.
Grant poured himself a heavy glass of scotch at the wet bar, his jaw tight. He stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, staring out into the falling snow where Evelyn’s black sedan had vanished.
“She’ll be back by morning,” Marian said dismissively, sitting on the sofa next to Vanessa. She gently patted Vanessa’s hand. “It’s just a temper tantrum. Women from modest backgrounds don't know how to handle real pressure when things get complicated.”
Vanessa leaned her head back against the cushions, looking fragile and concerned. “Grant, I feel awful. I shouldn't have taken her room. If she’s sleeping in a hotel tonight because of me—”
“Stop it, Vanessa,” Grant interrupted, his voice sharp not out of anger toward her, but from the sudden, irritating knot in his stomach. He hated when Evelyn made things difficult. Why couldn't she just smile, nod, and accept that Vanessa needed help? It was a simple humanitarian gesture!
Paige, who had been rifling through Evelyn’s antique vanity in the hallway, walked back into the living room holding a small velvet jewelry box. “Well, if she’s staying away, at least we don’t have to listen to her nagging about household expenses anymore. Oh—Grant, look at this sapphire ring she kept hidden in the back drawer.”
Grant turned around, frowning. “Put that back, Paige. That was her grandmother’s.”
“Relax,” Paige scoffed, slipping the vintage ring onto her own finger. “It’s not like she’s wearing it. Besides, after the way she behaved tonight, walking out on a disabled guest? She doesn't deserve heirlooms.”
Grant rubbed his temples. A strange, phantom unease pulsed behind his eyes. Evelyn’s words echoed in his memory: I was assigned to our European headquarters for a five-year rotation... Tomorrow, my husband learns who he married.
He shook his head, scoffing under his breath. European headquarters? Evelyn worked in human resources processing benefits paperwork and employee onboarding for a mid-market tech firm. She didn't even have a passport, as far as he knew. She was just lashing out because she couldn't stand not being the center of attention.
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“She’ll call by noon tomorrow asking for cab fare,” Grant muttered, pouring another finger of scotch.
Neither he nor his family had any inkling that noon tomorrow would bring an avalanche that would wipe their entire world off the map.
