125 Calcted Celebrations and Coveted Treasures
125 Calcted Celebrations and Coveted Treasures
Patricia saw her opening. “I heard you acquired three pieces at the auction. The vase must have been quite special to stand out among your purchases.”
As she gazed around their empty mansion, surrounded by the detritus of their social triumph, Patricia couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that somewhere, someone else was about to be the beneficiary of Damien Thorne’s mysterious generosity – and the thought left her feeling oddly hollow despite the evening’s sess.
Ruby nodded enthusiastically. “The mighty have fallen indeed. First ra’s marriage implodes, and now this social disaster. The Vance family isn’t what it once was.”
“Your sess speaks for itself,” he said smoothly. “Enjoy your new home.”
The subtle dig was not lost on Patricia, but she maintained herposure. “When something is meant to be, everything falls into ce naturally.”
The statement drew knowing chuckles from those nearby. Patricia savored the moment, imagining ra’s humiliation and ra’s distress. The thought was sweeter than the chocte truffles being served.
“Nothing more than a hundred thousand dors,” someone muttered, followed by appreciativeughter.
“Precisely,” Damien agreed. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, there are several people I need to speak with.”
Patricia beamed at what she perceived as apliment. “Thank you, Damien. We couldn’t have done it without your support.”
“Mason,” she whispered, touching her husband’s arm. “I think it’s time we circted. The Hendersons just arrived, and they’ve been trying to secure that contract with Montgomery Industries.”
“Mrs. Shaw, these canapés are divine,” gushed Mrs. Holloway, one of Boston’s most prominent socialites. “And the orchid arrangements! Simply breathtaking.”
“Indeed,” Damien responded, his arm settling around Vivienne’s waist. “Speaking of which, I believe congrattions are in order for your acquisition of this estate. It’s quite a step up from your previous home.”
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125 Calcted Celebrations and Coveted Treasures.
Patricia nodded absently, but doubt had crept in where certainty once resided. If not for them, then who was the recipient of Damien’s third treasured acquisition? And why had he gone to such lengths to support their party if not to make a grand gesture of alliance?
“Damien has exquisite taste,” Vivienne confirmed, her voice carrying just enough to ensure others heard. “He knows how much Mother appreciates fine porcin. The vase was a thoughtful gesture, nothing more.”
Patricia stood frozen at the doorway, watching as Damien’s car disappeared down the driveway. The third gift – the precious treasure she had been certain was meant for them – remained a mystery.
“That bracelet must have cost a fortune,” whispered Mrs. Peterson to herpanion. “Damien Thorne certainly knows how to keep his woman happy.”
As they made their way through the crowd, Patricia couldn’t help but notice how all eyes seemed drawn to one corner of the room. There, Vivienne Dubois held court, resplendent in a midnight blue gown thatplemented her striking features. The diamond bracelet on her wrist caught the light with every graceful movement of her
hand.
Patricia felt a stab of envy. An antique vase for Erin Dubois? What had the woman done to deserve such avish gift? Then she remembered something Vivienne had mentioned during their lunchst week – that Damien had sessfully bid on three items at the auction, not just one.
Damien Thorne entered the room with his characteristicmanding presence. Every head turned, conversations briefly paused, then resumed with increased energy. This was the effect he had – making an ordinary housewarming feel like a state dinner simply by his attendance.
Patricia’s POV
Patricia nodded, a warm glow of satisfaction spreading through her chest. “It makes perfect sense. The vase went to Erin, the bracelet to Vivienne, and whatever remaining treasure he acquired must be intended for us – likely as a housewarming gift.”
Patricia slowed her steps, lingering within earshot as Vivienne smiled at thepliments.
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“Vivienne was just telling everyone about the magnificent vase you purchased for Erin. Such a thoughtful gift.”
The soft melody of ssical music filled the air as Patricia Shaw surveyed her crowded living room with satisfaction. Guests mingled, champagne sses in hand, admiring the exquisite décor of the newly renovated Shaw estate. The housewarming was aplete sess – even better than she had dared to hope.
Damien nodded. “It’s been a memorable evening, but we have an early start tomorrow.”
Perfect timing, too. As Mason approached with fresh drinks, Patricia couldn’t help but exchange a knowing nce with her husband. They had nned this event meticulously, deliberately scheduling it to coincide with ra Bellweather’s birthday
celebration.
“I heard the Vance gathering is practically empty, Linda said, her red–painted lips curving into a smirk. “Can you imagine ra’s embarrassment?”
Patricia feigned sympathy. “How unfortunate. Age catches up with everyone eventually, I suppose.”
The thought sustained Patricia throughout the remainder of the party. Each time Damien nced her way, she felt a thrill of anticipation. Every announcement made her heart skip, thinking this might be the moment of revtion.
“Sometimes I wonder if Damien orchestrated the whole thing just to put ra in her ce,” Mason said, his voice low.
Patricia smiled graciously. “Thank you. We wanted everything to be perfect for our special guests.”
The realization lifted Patricia’s spirits immediately. If one gift went to Vivienne’s mother, and presumably another to Vivienne herself, then the third…
–
Patricia’s heart raced with anticipation. This was it surely one of those precious items was intended for the Shaws. Why else would Damien have gone to such lengths to ensure their party’s sess? The timing was perfect for a grand gesture that would cement their new social standing.
“Mason,” she said, squeezing her husband’s arm. “Let’s go greet Damien. He’s just
arrived.”
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“Patricia,” Vivienne greeted with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “What a lovely event. Though I’m surprised you managed to pull it together so quickly,”
“Support that we deeply appreciate,” Mason added meaningfully. “Your investment in our future means everything to us.”
“Mason,” she said urgently when she found him by the bar. “It’s nearly midnight. Most of our guests will be leaving soon. When do you think Damien ns to make his presentation?”
Damien offered a polite smile. “The pleasure is mine. You’ve done an impressive job
with the renovations.”
Across the room, Linda Fairchild and Ruby Winters huddled together, their voices carrying just enough for Patricia to catch snippets of their conversation.
“Did you hear about the antique vase he bought for her mother at the auctionst week?” replied the other woman. “Apparently it’s a museum–quality piece from the Ming dynasty.”
Something flickered in Damien’s eyes – amusement, perhaps? “Each item I acquired has a specific purpose and recipient in mind,” he said carefully.
Mason frowned slightly. “Perhaps we misunderstood. The gift mighteter, or be delivered privately.”
Damien merely nodded, his expression unreadable. Patricia rushed to fill the awkward
silence.
Patricia clinked her ss against his. “Indeed. Who would have thought ra’s little attempt to sabotage us would turn out so beautifully in our favor?”
Mason nodded. “Strategicworking at its finest. This party is an investment, my
dear.”
But as the clock struck midnight and guests began making their farewells, Patricia’s confidence wavered. Damien and Vivienne were among those preparing to depart, with no indication of any special gift forting.
“We had an excellent architect,” Mason said, pping Damien on the shoulder with forced familiarity. “Your rmendation was spot on.”
“Of course,” Patricia said, pausing significantly. “Thank you again for everything you’ve
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125 Calcted Colebrations and Coveted Treasures
done to make tonight special.”
“Perhaps he’s waiting for the right moment to present it,” Mason suggested. “Something dramatic to end the evening with.”
“How mysterious,” she remarked lightly. “Though I suppose the best gifts are those given with careful thought rather than random extravagance.”
Patricia pretended not to hear, but inwardly she glowed with triumph. This was exactly what they had hoped for – a definitive shift in the social hierarchy with the Shaws ascending while the Vance family’s influence waned.
Her husband shrugged. “Patience, dear. Damien moves ording to his own timetable.”
“Damien! We’re so honored you could join us,” Patricia gushed, air–kissing his cheeks. “The party wouldn’t be the same without you.”
As the evening progressed, Patricia found herself growing anxious. Damien had made no move to present any gift, special announcement, or further endorsement of the Shaws. Perhaps he was waiting until the very end?
Vivienne touched the diamonds with delicate fingers. “A small token of affection. Damien is incredibly generous.”
“And what you value clearly has excellent taste,” Patricia said, her eyes lingering on Vivienne’s bracelet. “That piece is simply exquisite.”
Fighting rising panic, Patricia approached them at the door. “Leaving so soon?” she asked, her voice artificially bright.
Patricia watched as Vivienne glided across the room to join them, fitting herself perfectly against Damien’s side. The diamond bracelet sparkled under the chandelier light.
The party continued in full swing, guest after guest approaching topliment the Shaws on their spectacr home and impable taste. Patricia epted eachpliment with rehearsed humility, all while keeping one eye on Damien.
She still remembered how smugly ra had informed them that Damien would be attending ra’s birthday celebration instead of their housewarming. What ra hadn’t anticipated was Damien’s own intervention – calling them personally to suggest
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125 Calcted Celebrations and Coveted Treasures
rescheduling to the same evening as ra’s party, promising his attendance and influence.
It was the perfect opening – an invitation for him to reveal whatever magnificent gift he had been saving for the grand finale. Instead, Damien merely inclined his head.
Patriciaughed softly. “Whatever his reasons, I’m grateful. Look around – half of Boston’s elite is here instead of at that tired old birthday party.”
“Quite a turnout,” Mason murmured as he handed her a flute of champagne. “I’d say we’ve sessfully made our statement.”
“Did you hear?” Linda whispered as she passed Patricia near the dessert table. “Apparently ra Bellweather’s party ended early. Most guests had already left by nine.”
“That doesn’t make sense,” Patricia insisted. “The whole point would be the public acknowledgment.”
“Perhaps it will arrive tomorrow,” Mason suggested weakly as they closed the door on thest departing guests. “A delivery service, maybe.”
“I know what Erin values,” Damien replied simply.
As Damien and Vivienne moved away, Mason leaned close to Patricia’s ear. “Did you see how he avoided borating? He’s nning something big for us.”
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