Chapter 301

• Hazel and Jessica’s expressions soured the moment the news spread.
• I remember Hazel, always so sure of her cultured persona. She had once come close to acquiring one of Rafeal Maddox’s rare, abstract oil paintings at a high-profile charity auction only to have it accidentally destroyed during a dramatic bidding war scandal. The incident became industry gossip, her misstep the punchline at every elite gallery showing for months. She never forgave Rafeal for the embarrassment, though we all knew her interest in art was more about appearances than genuine passion.
• She’d never cared for the painting. She just wanted the prestige that came with owning it.