Chapter 144

• Natalie tilted her head, studying Charlotte amid the swirl of colors in the corridor. "Well, it seems you have an interest in art too," she said, her voice warm as summer wine. "Why don't you join me at my art gallery today? We're organizing an exhibition—raw talent exploding on the walls, the kind that stops you cold."
• Charlotte's pulse quickened, the invitation landing like a brushstroke on a blank canvas. "That's wonderful. I would love to."
• Beaming, Natalie linked arms with her, and they glided back to the living room where Howard and Luciano lounged, glasses in hand, mid-conversation. The men's laughter hushed as the women approached. "Howard, dear," Natalie announced with playful authority, "I'm borrowing your wife for the day. I hope you don't mind."