Chapter 9

**CHLOE**

She arrived at our table dressed to kill as usual in a stunning black dress, her hair and makeup flawless.

Her gaze met Jeffrey’s, and with a gesture, she beckoned him to stand for a hug, which he hesitantly offered.

“Hello, Laura.” I said, giving a small wave in greeting, but Laura seemed oblivious.

“I see you brought company,” she said to Jeffrey and pulled out a chair. Her eyes landed on me as she sat, making it hard for me to swallow my food.

She turned to Jeffrey, "why did you bring her?"

I gulped down hard on my bottle of water. I must really be invisible.

“I didn't think you'd show up, would’ve accompanied you myself. I thought you'd still be resting," she continued, darting a pointed look in my direction every few seconds.

Jeffrey did not respond.

“Thank you all for honoring my invitation,” Richard announced on stage.

"As you all know, we're having a fundraiser for my charity.” He continued. “My charity supports five worthy causes: the orphanage, widows, the disab