CHAPTER 22The Invitation
Two days later, an invitation arrived at the estate. Heavy cream paper, gold foil, the scent of gardenias.
SERAPHINE MONTEGRECO
requests the pleasure of your company
for an evening of art and conversation
to celebrate the union of
House Wǎngshā and House Xiānyǔ
"A trap," Zara declared at breakfast, waving the invitation like a dead thing. "She'll probably try to poison the champagne."
"Or slip Luna another set of edited photos," Sylas said without looking up from his tablet.
"She wouldn't be that obvious," Ming said, sipping her tea. "She'll be charming. She'll offer friendship. She'll wait for you to lower your guard."
"We should decline," Luna said.
"We will attend," Fen said from the head of the table. All eyes turned to her. "A spider does not hide from the fly. She waits for it to land in her web." She looked at Luna. "You will go. You will be gracious. You will observe. And you will report back."
Leo, who had been silent, finally spoke. "I'll accompany her."
"No," Fen said. "You will not. This is her test. Alone."
Leo's jaw tightened, but he didn't argue.
The party was held at the Montegreco gallery, a space of white walls and carefully curated beauty. Seraphine greeted Luna at the entrance, looking breathtaking in silver.
"Luna, darling! I'm so glad you came." She air-kissed both cheeks. "I wanted to apologize. For my… poor behavior at the auction. I was surprised. And surprise makes me petty."
"No apology necessary," Luna said, her smile perfectly calibrated.
"Come, let me introduce you to some friends." Seraphine led her through the crowd. Every introduction felt like a subtle interrogation.
"This is Margot, she runs the largest auction house in Europe. Margot, dear, Luna's family deals in antiquities. You must have so much to talk about."
"This is Charles, he's with Interpol's art theft division. Charles, Luna's husband is quite the data wizard, isn't he? I'm sure he could help you track down all sorts of… lost things."
It was a masterclass in social warfare. Seraphine was painting a target on Luna's back, framing her as both an asset and a threat.
Halfway through the evening, Luna found herself on a secluded balcony. She needed air. The game was exhausting.
"They're eating you alive," a familiar voice said.
She turned. Jett stood there, leaning against the railing. He wore a suit that looked borrowed and uncomfortable.
"Jett. What are you doing here?"
"My father's orders. 'Make nice with the new Wǎngshā alliance.'" He made air quotes. "You look… different."
"I feel different."
He studied her. "Is it true? The fifteen percent?"
"Yes."
He whistled low. "Damn. You're really one of them now."
"Is that a problem?"
"It is for me," he said softly. "Because now I have to choose between my family and my friend." He pushed off the railing. "Be careful, Luna. Seraphine isn't just jealous. She's scared. And scared people do stupid, desperate things."
He walked back inside, leaving her alone with his warning.
Later, as Luna was leaving, Seraphine caught her arm.
"A word, before you go?" Her smile was still perfect, but her eyes were sharp. "I know we got off on the wrong foot. I'd like to make it right. Let's have lunch. Just us girls."
"I'll check my schedule," Luna said noncommittally.
"Do." Seraphine leaned closer, her perfume overwhelming. "And give Leo my best. Tell him… I still think about his offer. The one he made in Berlin."
She walked away, leaving Luna standing there, cold despite the warm night.