CHAPTER 35: POOR AND FRAGILE

[The Carter Mansion—Dinner Table]

The clinking of silverware and the faint aroma of garlic butter filled the dining room.

It was one of those rare evenings when everyone managed to sit together. Gregory sat at the head of the table, newspaper folded neatly beside his plate, Melissa fussing over the serving dishes and Evelyn quietly pouring water into her glass, half-listening and half lost in thought.

Melissa broke the quiet first.

"So—" she said, cutting into her food with a bright tone, "did you hear about the charity event tomorrow night?"

Gregory glanced up with a raised brow. "The one hosted by the Women’s Association club?"

"Yes, the very same," Melissa replied. "Apparently, it’s going to be quite an affair. Olivia Reid is making a big show of it, as usual." She sniffed faintly. "I swear, that woman can turn a fundraiser into a parade."

Evelyn smiled faintly. "That sounds about right." She had met Olivia a couple of times in the past which was enough for her to determine that she was a woman who liked being a center of attraction.

Melissa waved her fork for emphasis. "And of course, Pauline Reid’s name is on the list and she never flaunts it like Olivia. Now that is a woman I respect."

Gregory smiled faintly. "She always carried herself with grace even after Benjamin’s second marriage."

"Mm," Melissa said, stabbing her salad. "Grace doesn’t pay for silence, Gregory. It’s class and that is what Olivia lacks entirely."

Evelyn gave a soft laugh. "You have been talking about this event all day."

"Because it’s the only entertainment left in this town," Melissa said with mock exasperation. "Half the women will be trying to outshine each other and the other half will be gossiping about who wore what."

Gregory looked amused. "And yet you are attending."

"Of course," Melissa said primly. "Someone has to bring balance to the chaos. Besides, I have a lovely new gown and I am not letting it gather dust."

Then, she turned her attention to her daughter. "Evelyn, are you going?"

Evelyn hesitated, her fork pausing midair. "I don’t think so. I am helping Mrs. Reid with some of the arrangements but that’s all. I wasn’t planning to stay for the event itself."

Gregory frowned lightly. "Why not? You have put in the effort so you might as well enjoy the results."

She smiled softly. "It’s not really my scene, Dad. Besides, it’s just one of those elite gatherings where everyone pretends to be kind while sharpening knives behind your back."

Gregory chuckled. "That’s exactly why you should go. If you are helping Margaret Reid organize it, it would be rude not to and I am sure she will expect to see you there."

Evelyn sighed quietly, swirling her fork through her pasta. "Maybe. I will think about it."

She was never interested in such high-class events where people constantly kept pulling each other down. It wasn’t something that Evelyn supported or wanted to be a part of.

Melissa, who had been unusually quiet for the last few moments, suddenly spoke up. "Well, if Margaret Reid will be there then surely her charming grandson will be too."

Evelyn froze. She looked at her mother, letting her know that she did not appreciate her teasing tone.

Melissa smiled innocently. "What? It’s a simple observation. You two have been spending quite a bit of time together, haven’t you? Returning cars, having dinner, organizing events—" She gave a mock sigh. "I am beginning to feel like I should prepare an engagement speech."

Gregory nearly choked on his wine. "Melissa—" He warned his wife with a meaningful glare.

"Oh, relax," she said, laughing. "I am just teasing." She turned to Evelyn again. "But really, darling, if Alexander Reid is going to be there, that is even more reason for you to attend. It would look good, professionally."

"Professionally," Gregory repeated dryly. "Right," he scoffed.

Evelyn’s cheeks warmed as she muttered, "You two are impossible."

Gregory smiled, leaning back in his chair. "Your mother is right, though. Margaret clearly likes you and it wouldn’t hurt to make an appearance. Besides, it’s time the world saw you again on your own terms this time."

Evelyn went quiet for a moment, thinking of how the last time her name made headlines, it had nearly broken her. But then she thought of Margaret’s warmth, Pauline’s kindness and Alexander’s steady voice telling her she deserved better.

Maybe her father was right. Maybe it was time she stopped hiding.

Finally, she nodded faintly. "All right. I will go."

Melissa’s eyes sparkled. "Good. Wear something elegant but simple—" She added excitedly, "You will outshine half the room without even trying."

Evelyn rolled her eyes, though a small smile tugged at her lips. "You are impossible, Mom."

"I take that as a compliment," Melissa said breezily. "Now eat your food before it gets cold. You will need energy to survive tomorrow’s social jungle."

Gregory chuckled quietly and returned to his meal, while Evelyn shook her head and was unable to suppress her smile.

....

[Reid Enterprises—Alexander’s Office]

The next morning, the elevator doors slid open with a soft chime and Alexander stepped out, scrolling through the morning reports on his phone.

His jacket was slung casually over one arm, his tie was loose and his mind was already on the day ahead.

He pushed open his office door and froze.

Someone was already there.

Sitting comfortably in his leather chair with her feet propped neatly against the edge of his desk, was none other than Margaret Reid, sipping tea from his cup like she owned the place.

"Good morning, darling," she greeted without even glancing up from the tablet she was scrolling through. "You are late."

Alexander blinked once then set his briefcase down and said evenly, "Grandmother, what are you doing here?"

"Enjoying your chair," she said lightly. "It’s very comfortable. No wonder you refuse to leave your office all the time."

He pinched the bridge of his nose. "You can’t just barge in here grandma."

"Oh, don’t be dramatic, this whole building is mine." she interrupted, waving a hand. "And I come with purpose. I am here to remind you of something very important."

Alexander sighed. "You sent three reminders last week."

"This is different," she said, setting down her teacup and fixing him with a pointed look. "The charity event is tonight."

He leaned against the desk, arms folded. "I am aware."

"Good. Then I will see you there at six."

"Grandmother," he said patiently, "you know I don’t attend such events."

Margaret gasped theatrically with hand flying to her chest. "You would abandon your poor, fragile grandmother in her hour of need?"

.....