Chapter 7 - THE BLUE DRESS
Elena bought the blue dress from a neighborhood tailor.
It cost eighty-seven dollars.
She tried on four others before choosing it.
The tailor adjusted the sleeves and added a small pearl button at the collar.
“You look elegant,” the woman said.
Elena smiled at the mirror.
She did not need to look wealthy.
She wanted to look like herself.
Celeste’s office sent a dress code the next morning.
WOMEN: WHITE, SILVER, OR BLACK FORMAL ATTIRE.
Elena called the event coordinator.
“I was told blue.”
The coordinator sounded confused.
“Our file says Ms. Monroe personally approved your dress.”
Elena looked at the garment hanging beside her.
Celeste had created another trap.
If Elena wore blue, she would appear to ignore the theme.
If she bought something else, she would spend money she could not comfortably waste.
Elena wore the blue dress.
Before leaving, she placed the tax notice and LLC documents inside her purse.
She planned to speak to Adrian the moment she arrived.
At the estate, security directed her through a service entrance.
“Family guests use the front,” she said.
The guard checked his tablet.
“Your name is listed under community representatives.”
Elena’s face warmed.
Still, she entered.
Celeste found her near the kitchen.
She looked at the blue dress and smiled.
“You ignored the dress code.”
“You approved this color.”
“I would remember.”
Elena opened her purse.
“I need to speak with Adrian.”
“He is preparing his speech.”
“This concerns my name on your father’s company documents.”
Celeste’s smile vanished.
“Not here.”
“Then take me to him.”
“You will not ruin my engagement party.”
“I am trying to prevent your family from ruining my son.”
Celeste stepped closer.
“Adrian is not your frightened little boy anymore.”
“No. He is a man who deserves the truth.”
Celeste saw the documents.
She reached for the purse.
Elena pulled it away.
Several guests turned.
Celeste immediately raised her voice.
“You cannot bring financial demands to my engagement.”
“I am demanding nothing.”
“You came dressed like this to embarrass us.”
Her wealthy friends gathered nearby.
Elena realized Celeste was creating the audience she wanted.
She began moving toward the house.
Celeste blocked her.
Then Charles appeared near the fountain.
His eyes moved to Elena’s purse.
He gave his daughter a small nod.
May you like
Celeste grabbed Elena’s arm.
👉 Charles did not order his daughter to argue with Elena—he silently ordered her to take the documents before Adrian could see them.
