The Call Boy I Met in Paris – Episode 59
The reception hall glittered with polished glass, white flowers, and framed reproductions of Stella’s winning painting. Guests gathered beneath a banner celebrating the 2024 Monet Award, speaking about originality and promise while champagne moved through the room. To Sophie, every compliment felt attached to a theft no one else could yet see.
Justin remained near enough to reach her without appearing to guard her. He wore the composure of a man accustomed to such rooms, and several guests glanced at him with uncertain recognition. Sophie noticed but kept her attention on the stage where Stella prepared to receive another round of praise.
“Thank you all for gathering to celebrate our friend,” the host announced, “the winner of the 2024 Monet Award, Stella Swift.”
Applause filled the hall. Stella accepted it with practiced humility, pausing beside the painting as photographers captured her triumph. Nothing in her expression acknowledged the café or the danger she had created.
“This is such an honor,” Stella said. She thanked the judges, the organizers, and everyone who had believed in her talent. Then her gaze found Sophie in the crowd, and gratitude turned into opportunity.
“I also want to congratulate my sister, Sophie Swift,” she continued. “She entered the competition too. If I remember correctly, she placed third.”
Several guests turned. The comparison had nothing to do with kindness; Stella wanted Sophie displayed as the lesser sister at her own celebration. “And I,” Stella added with a bright smile, “am the winner.”
A server offered Sophie a tray. Stella descended from the stage, selected a glass, and held it toward her. “Come on. Today is my big day. Have a drink with me.”
The sight of the glass brought back the bitter taste, failing muscles, and camera flashes. Sophie did not retreat. “Stop pretending, Stella.”
The guests nearest them fell quiet. Stella kept smiling, but her fingers tightened around the stem. “Pretending what?”
“That the café was an accident. That this award belongs to you. That you can keep hiding what you and Karen did.” Sophie stepped closer, lowering her voice only enough to prevent the entire room from hearing the final accusation. “You cannot hide what happened to my mother forever.”
Stella’s smile disappeared. “Everyone knows your mother killed herself. How could that possibly be related to me?”
“I am giving you one chance to tell me the truth.”
“Then show me evidence.” Stella’s confidence returned as she recognized the weakness in Sophie’s position. “Otherwise, grief does not give you the right to make disgusting accusations at my celebration.”
The word evidence was chosen to wound. Stella knew the old case had been closed and that every suspicion could be dismissed as a daughter refusing to accept suicide. Sophie’s hand curled at her side.
“How dare you use her death to protect yourself?” Sophie asked. She took a step forward, anger finally threatening the control she had promised Justin she would keep.
Stella lifted her chin, daring her to create another public spectacle. Before either sister moved, a calm male voice cut through the circle of watching guests.
“Is everything all right here, Miss Stella?” Justin asked as he came to stand beside his wife.