I felt my pulse climb. Carly was always like this, pushing in and wanting things her way while subtly insulting herbrother. I was just about to reply when Carly started speaking again. “Come up this weekend. Tour the site. We will finalize everything over dinner at the lodge. You know how these things work. Show them the plan, charm the financiers, and walk away with the contract.”
“I will think about it.”
“Of course you will." She smiled.
I used to say yes just to keep the peace. Right now, I wasn’t so sure.
“Sounds like an ambitious undertaking,” Kitty mentioned.
“Absolutely. Our last project opened two months ago. Eighty suites, a spa, and a rooftop restaurant. It was exhausting but worth it,” Carly mentioned.
Lydia tilted her head to the side as she typed in her phone. “Have you thought about using an influencer to expand your reach? You could easily double if not triple your business.”
Carly looked at her blankly. “And you are?”
“Lydia Bennet. I’m the TalkTasticGirl. I have five million followers,” Lydia boasted.
“Oh. I have over sixty million followers. Plus the press gives me free advertising. I don’t think I need an influencer when I am one,” Carly gave a thin smile.
“Well, we all start somewhere,” Braxton tried to help with his comment, but really didn’t.
“This gravy is delightful,” William mentioned. “It pairs so well with the potatoes.”
“Simplicity is its own luxury,” Carly said, her tone syrupy
Across the table, Lucy’s knuckles whitened around her fork. I wanted to say something but she beat me to it, her voice steady. “We find joy in the small things.”
“Admirable. Modest goals are so brave to some people,” Carly replied.
My stomach tightened. Helen, unaware, began asking about Carly’s travels. Carly painted scenes of private planes and champagne meetings while Lucy sat silent beside her mother, eyes down as Kitty got up to grab dessert while Jane refreshed our coffee cups.
When Carly turned to Braxton, her tone softened. “You aren’t planning to stay here all winter, are you? The firm needs you back in the city.”
“I’m happy to help here,” Braxton said easily.
“But the projects are piling up,” she chastised.
“I can manage from here. Dex and I brought our laptops. We have been able to do a lot remotely,” Braxton replied.
Jane reached to refill his coffee, her sleeve brushing his hand. Carly’s gaze caught the movement, and I could practically feel the chill radiating off her.
Carly shifted to Lucy again. “Did you study hospitality?”
“No. I studied business,” Lucy answered evenly.
“How refreshing. That explains the… authenticity. It feels very domestic having dinner with your guests,” Carly commented.
Mr. Honeymooner was quick to reply. “We really like it. It’s nice to dine with the family.”
Lucy’s answering smile was slow and polite. “We do what we can on a real-world budget.”
Helen clapped her hands, oblivious to the duel. “Carly, you must try Jane’s cobbler. It is her grandmother’s recipe.”
“So nostalgic,” Carly murmured.She ate one small bite and set the spoon down neatly beside her plate.
“It’s very good, Jane,” I managed to say but I was annoyed and it came out stilted, making the compliment fall flat.
“I love it." Braxton took another spoonful.
