Chapter 3 - The Crimson Entrance on Christmas Eve
The night of December twenty-fourth arrived under a heavy sheet of freezing rain. Margaret drove to Bellevue, stepping out of her car draped in a striking crimson dress, matching red lipstick, and the sparkling diamond earrings her late husband had given her before his passing. She wasn't dressing up for anyone's approval; she was reclaiming her identity as Margaret Vance. Warm golden light poured through the bay windows of the sprawling home, illuminating a crowded room where guests mingled cheerfully and Beatrice stood regally by the fireplace with a wineglass in hand.
When Margaret rang the bell, Jason opened the door, his welcoming smile instantly evaporating into a mask of pure panic. "Margaret," he stammered, glancing nervously over his shoulder. "We weren’t expecting you."
"I know," Margaret replied smoothly.
May you like
Jason tried to block the doorway, whispering frantically that Emily had claimed Margaret understood the arrangement. Before Margaret could respond, Beatrice glided over, her pearls gleaming as she delivered a chillingly cool dismissal. "This is a private family gathering." Years ago, that tone would have broken Margaret's spirit and sent her running back into the rain. Tonight, it merely fueled her resolve.
Ignoring Beatrice entirely, Margaret locked eyes with her pale, trembling daughter across the room. Reaching slowly into her purse, Margaret withdrew a heavy, cream-colored envelope and handed it directly to Jason. "A Christmas card," she said softly. With shaking fingers, Jason pulled out the formal legal document enclosed inside. As his eyes scanned the text, all the color drained from his face, leaving him standing rigid and speechless in the doorway.
