Chapter 17 - THE FIRST DINNER BACK
Vanessa returned to Villa Moretti for a private dinner eighteen months later.
No foundation guests.
No senior relatives.
Florence agreed reluctantly.
The twins knew she was coming.
Therapist prepared them.
Vanessa entered without diamonds.
Not because jewelry was morally wrong.
Because she apparently could not bear resembling the woman at the old table.
Florence saw immediately.
“Wear your jewelry next time.”
Vanessa blinked.
“What?”
“You don’t become better by dressing guilty.”
My mother.
Then dinner.
Staff served everyone.
Vanessa did not touch the serving dishes.
Too careful.
Florence noticed.
“Pass the potatoes.”
Vanessa froze.
Then handed them.
Normal action.
Not service hierarchy.
The twins watched.
May you like
Nothing bad happened.
That was the beginning.
