Chapter 9 - The Birthday Party Without Its Host|
Elena's birthday arrived beneath a bright blue sky, as though Chicago had decided to offer one peaceful day before the next storm.
I spent the morning at the hotel overseeing the final arrangements. The flowers were in place, the musicians had arrived, and the kitchen staff had confirmed the dietary requirements. I had done everything I promised Elena I would do.
Dante was supposed to welcome the guests.
Instead, he arrived forty minutes late with Bianca beside him.
She wore a silver dress. He wore the expression of a man who believed the room would adjust itself around his presence.
When he saw me near the entrance, he stopped.
“What are you doing here?”
“Finishing the event I organized.”
“You said you weren't sure you'd attend.”
“I changed my mind.”
His eyes narrowed.
“Then we need to talk.”
“Not here.”
He stepped closer.
“Isabella, you've been telling my mother things that aren't true.”
“I told her what happened in our bedroom.”
“That's private.”
“So was the bedroom.”
A few guests turned toward us. Dante noticed and lowered his voice.
“Don't do this today.”
“I didn't choose today. Your mother's birthday did.”
Bianca stood beside him, studying me with a look I couldn't interpret.
Elena appeared before Dante could respond.
“Isabella, darling, the florist wants your approval for the final table arrangement.”
“Of course.”
I walked away.
The party began at noon. Elena greeted relatives, hugged old friends, and laughed when her grandchildren presented her with a scrapbook of family photographs. I watched her face soften when she saw a picture of herself holding a newborn Dante.
For a few minutes, the tension seemed to fade.
Then the hotel manager approached me.
“Mrs. Morty, there's a problem with the payment authorization.”
“What kind of problem?”
“The final deposit was supposed to be released this morning, but the bank has placed it under review.”
I checked the invoice. The funds had been assigned from Northstar.
My stomach dropped.
“I'll speak to the finance office.”
I found Dante near the ballroom entrance.
“Did you use Northstar to pay for the birthday?”
He looked irritated.
“Of course. It's a family company.”
“Then why is the payment under review?”
“Because you decided to challenge the account.”
“I didn't freeze anything. I disputed signatures made in my name.”
His expression changed.
“Have you been speaking to Bianca?”
“Yes.”
He stared at me.
“What did she give you?”
“Documents.”
“Give them to me.”
“No.”
His voice dropped.
“Isabella, this is not a game. You have no idea what those documents contain.”
“Then explain them.”
“Not here.”
“Then when? After you tell everyone I'm unstable? After you convince Lucy I'm trying to destroy you?”
He stepped closer.
“Lower your voice.”
I looked at him.
“No.”
The word came out calmly, but it seemed to surprise us both.
For thirteen years, I had lowered my voice whenever Dante raised his. I had softened difficult conversations, apologized to people who had insulted me, and kept his private troubles from becoming public embarrassment.
Not today.
Elena approached, her face pale with anger.
“Dante, your guests are waiting.”
He glanced at her.
“Mother, this is between my wife and me.”
“Then behave like a husband instead of a man trying to intimidate her in the middle of my birthday.”
He looked around the ballroom. More people were watching now.
“I'm not intimidating anyone.”
Elena held his gaze.
“Then you shouldn't have to shout to prove it.”
He walked away.
The event continued. The payment issue was resolved after Elena's own financial adviser authorized the remaining cost from her personal account, with the understanding that the disputed transaction would be reviewed separately. I thanked her and made sure the hotel staff were paid.
When it was time for the birthday toast, Elena stood beside the cake.
She thanked her family, her friends, and everyone who had helped make the day possible.
Then she looked directly at me.
“I want to thank Isabella, who has given this family thirteen years of love, patience, and work that many of us took for granted. If this family has ever made her feel that she could be moved aside, then the failure belongs to us—not to her.”
The room fell silent.
Dante stared at his mother.
Bianca looked down.
I felt tears gather in my eyes, but I did not hide them.
After the party, as guests began to leave, Lucy approached me.
“I heard what Grandma said,” she whispered.
“I hope you enjoyed your birthday with her.”
“I did. But I need to tell you something.”
She glanced toward Dante.
“Dad said he might announce something tonight. Something about the family business.”
“What kind of announcement?”
May you like
Lucy swallowed.
“He said he was going to explain why your name is on Northstar.”
