Episode 101

“I’ve no idea,” Ruby said, her brow furrowed in confusion. “It was left at the reception desk with instructions to give it to you. By the time I went downstairs, the messenger had already left.”

Elizabeth unfolded the package gently. Inside was a neatly folded card with the word “Invitation” elegantly imprinted on its cover—a touch of enigma wrapped in simplicity.

Before she could open it, her phone buzzed. Elijah’s name appeared on the screen, and his brisk voice urged her to hurry. Elizabeth assured him she would arrive soon, then tucked the envelope away and casually tossed it into a nearby trash can.

Every year, she received such unwanted invitations. She didn't dwell on how this one reached her company; in this business, people were remarkably adept at uncovering personal details. Truth be told, she despised these events.

Elijah, her husband, rarely attended, passing his invitations to her as if they were chores. “You should go if you feel like it,” he’d say.

But what was the point of going alone? She envisioned two likely outcomes: becoming the subject of whispered gossip about her husband's absence, or fending off unwanted advances from strangers.

Snapping out of her reverie, Elizabeth glanced at Ruby. “Let’s head upstairs. Mr. Rodgers and Asher Burton are already here.”