“We cannot afford Chester County right now, Grant,” Caroline said, her voice dropping to a quiet whisper.
Beatrice sighed, a long, dramatic sound, and laid the invitation on the table.
“A man needs a proper environment for his family, darling,” Beatrice said, looking directly at Caroline. “Especially now.”
“What does that mean?” Caroline asked, looking from Beatrice to her husband.
Grant adjusted his gold watch again, the metal links clicking against the edge of his water glass.
“It means we have to look toward the future,” Grant said, his eyes still fixed on his phone.
He stood up from the table without clearing his plate, his chair scraping loudly against the wooden floor.
“I have to take this call,” he said, already walking toward the study.
Beatrice watched him leave, a thin smile playing on her lips as she leaned toward Caroline.
“He is working so hard for all of us, Caroline,” Beatrice said, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial murmur. “You really must try to be more supportive of his business trips.”
Caroline looked down at her lap, her fingers pressing into her palms until her skin turned white.
