Chapter 34

SATURDAY (The Party) - Part 1

Jake searched through his closet, his fingers sliding past various items until they found the smooth, protective cover of the bag holding his custom-tailored tuxedo. He freed the bag from its crowded confines and unzipped it, revealing the sleek, pristine garment within. He carefully removed it and carried it to the bedroom, where he laid it carefully on the bed. The tuxedo’s rich, dark material contrasted distinctly against the light-colored bedspread. Heading to the bathroom, Jake shaved, then took a steaming shower, leaving him refreshed and ready for the evening.

After dressing, Jake looked at himself in the mirror and adjusted his bow tie. The tuxedo fit him perfectly, accentuating his broad shoulders and trim waist. He swept a hand through his carefully trimmed brown hair, making sure not a strand was out of place. His blue eyes stared back, reflecting anticipation and mild dread. His mother, with her penchant for perfection, had asked him to arrive early for a professional photo session before the night’s festivities began. He gave himself one last critical look, confirming every detail was immaculate, then grabbed his keys and wallet and headed out.

The sleek black town car his mother had insisted on sending was already waiting outside his building. The driver, an older gentleman with a stoic expression, nodded respectfully as Jake approached.

“Good evening, Mr. Thompson. Mrs. Bower asked me to ensure you arrive promptly.”

Jake forced a smile. “Of course she did,” he muttered, slipping into the back seat.

The drive to the Bower Estate took just under forty minutes, during which Jake peered out the window and mentally prepared himself. As they drove past the guardhouse, through the ornate iron gates, and along the lengthy, winding driveway, Jake sensed the usual knot forming in his stomach. The limestone mansion came into view, its windows aglow with warm light that did nothing to dispel the coldness Jake associated with the place.

The car pulled up to the circular driveway, and Jake stepped out, taking in the familiar surroundings. He straightened his jacket and headed for the main entrance, where the massive double doors stood open, revealing the gleaming marble foyer beyond.

“Jacob, there you are.” His mother’s crisp, commanding voice reached him before he even crossed the threshold. Victoria Bower approached with calculated grace, her ebony hair swept into an elegant updo, diamonds glittering at her ears and throat. Her dark crimson designer gown rustled on the marble floor as she moved toward him.

“Hello, Mother,” Jake remarked, leaning in to plant a dutiful kiss on her cheek. She smelled of expensive perfume and barely concealed disapproval.

“You’re three minutes late,” she sighed, exasperated. “The photographer has been waiting.”

Jake resisted the urge to roll his eyes. “Sorry, Mother.”

Victoria’s lips thinned. “I specifically sent the car to make sure you arrived on time. Can’t anybody do anything right?” She gestured toward the grand staircase. “Your father is waiting in the library. The photographer wants shots of us together before the guests arrive.”

“Stepfather,” Jake mumbled, following his mother up the grand staircase and through the familiar hallways, past crystal chandeliers and priceless artwork. The house hadn’t changed much since his childhood – still impeccably maintained, still coldly perfect.

Franklin Bower stood by the fireplace in the library, cradling a glass of single-malt scotch. He was slight, with thinning gray hair and a deliberately cultivated air of importance. He looked up as Jake entered, his expression neutral.

“Jacob,” he greeted with a curt nod. “Good of you to join us.”

“Franklin,” Jake retorted, matching his stepfather’s cool tone. He had never quite warmed to his stepfather; something about Franklin made Jake unable to trust him, a calculating gleam behind his sophisticated demeanor.

“The photographer is ready for us in the drawing room,” Victoria interrupted. “Let’s not keep him waiting any longer.”

Jessica, Rachel, and Emily entered the elevator, its polished metal walls reflecting their formal attire. The mild hum of the descent filled the small space as they traveled from the office above to the parking garage below. Their heels clicked with each step as they crossed the concrete expanse, then climbed into Jessica’s SUV and headed to the Bower Estate.

The ride was mostly silent, each woman absorbed in her own thoughts as city lights gave way to more exclusive neighborhoods. Jessica gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles almost white with tension.

“Are we all clear on our assignments?” she finally asked, breaking the silence as they turned onto a tree-lined avenue.

Emily nodded, her eyes focused on the small mirror attached to her visor as she carefully applied a fresh coat of lipstick. The deep red glided smoothly across her lips, adding boldness to her look. Rachel gave a subtle nod, her expression calm and composed, when she caught Jessica’s gaze in the rearview mirror. Jessica slowed the SUV when they neared the drive.