Chapter 5 Surprises at the Table

The Thorne estate gleamed beneath the muted glow of the weekend sun, the staff moving like clockwork under Loraine's direction. Everything had to be perfect, the silverware polished, the lighting warm but regal, the menu flawless. A family dinner wasn't just a meal in the Thorne household. It was theater. Everyone was an actor.

But Loraine wasn't there to smash a role. She was going to be a fabulous director.

From her position in the drawing room, she could see Derek's new girlfriend-no, baby mama-being guided through the house by Mariette, the senior maid. The woman was striking. She wore a clingy rust-colored dress that hinted at more than elegance. Her walk was confident, practiced. Every hair was in place, every movement deliberate. She wasn't nervous. She was also playing a part. Even her little bump was making a statement.

Loraine's lips thinned.

She lifted her phone to her ear, pressing the receiver hard enough to leave a mark. "Daniel," she said crisply, "I need a full digital scrub. Her name is Rachel Mendez. Former escort, high-end discreet clients. I want all traces erased. Social media, tabloids, any client lists that could be linked back to her. By tonight."

"And put the fear of God in anyone with a loose lip."

A pause.

"No excuses," she added coldly. "I'm not having our family name dragged through tabloid sewage because my brother has a thing for women with questionable resumes."

She ended the call without waiting for confirmation. At least with Lola her mother Camille had been a secretary in the LA branch of Thorne empire.

Turning, she found Derek lounging against the fireplace like a man without care, flipping a crystal paperweight in his palm.

"So...what do you think?" She palmed her forehead.

"She's beautiful, I'll give you that." Loraine admitted. "But is she going to be just another tabloid headline or are you actually serious this time?"

Derek gave a lopsided grin. "I don't know yet. She's different. She calls me out on my bullshit, doesn't fall for the charm like most girls."

Loraine arched a brow. "So she's smarter than the rest."

"Maybe. But it's still early. After the baby is born... we'll see."

Loraine took a breath, her arms crossing as she leaned against the oak-paneled wall. "And does she know about Lola?"

"She does."

That surprised her. "And she stayed?"

"She said people change. And that Lola and Camille aren't a threat to her. They are a part of my life and she is willing to accept that."

Loraine didn't reply at first. That answer said more about Rachel than Derek realized. Maybe this one had more bite than the others. Or maybe she was just better at pretending.

"So will she be staying with you or should I send word for the Villa to be cleared."

"She will be with me, I want to be involved in all of it this time."

"You were a great help with Lola, she probably loves you more than she does me but I want this time to be different ."

"Lola is three, in a few years she's have infantile amnesia and all your shortcomings will be a thing of the past. It's not too late with her."

"Got it"

Before she could continue the conversation, the butler appeared, as polished and poised as ever.

"Miss Thorne," he said, bowing slightly, "Miss Lola and her mother have arrived."

Loraine nodded. "Thank you. Let's have dinner." Sh

As she and Derek walked toward the dining room, the massive oak doors creaked open again. A gust of New York evening air swept in, and with it-

"Thought I'd make it in time for the lamb."

Loraine turned at the voice.

"Michael?"

Michael Kane stood there, suitcase in hand, wearing a cashmere coat and that annoyingly perfect grin. He looked fresh from a GQ cover-classic, magnetic, a little smug. Her stomach did a strange little flip.

A smile pulled across her lips.

"I had no idea you were coming," she said, a bit breathless despite herself.

"Wanted to surprise you."

"Well... I'm surprised."

He stepped forward and leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. The scent of his cologne cedar and mint was familiar and welcome so much how much it settled her nerves.

"How was Italy?" she asked, composing herself.

"Superb. Exhausting. But the business arm's stable now. No more training wheels."

"Congratulations." She smiled politely.

Michael took her hand. "Let's have dinner. After that, we'll talk." He asked a chaste kiss on her hand and they moved along.

The dining room was glowing, soft jazz humming in the background. Rachel, now seated beside Derek, beamed like a woman fully aware of the spectacle she was walking into. Lola was quiet, her eyes trailing between her parents with a caution that made Loraine's chest tighten. The staff moved like dancers, refilling wine, adjusting napkins, presenting plated courses like artwork.

Lola caught sight of Loraine and perked up, running from her chair before her mother could stop her. She launched herself at Loraine's already outstretched arms.

"Oh Love, look at you." She places a kiss on her forehead. Michael watched the duo.

Loraine took her seat at the table, Lola settled next to her and Michael beside her.

Everything was in place.

Until the dining doors opened again.

Every head turned.

And in walked Nathan Wolf.

Wearing a storm-grey suit and a stormier expression, he strode in like he belonged. But he didn't. Not here. Not now.

Loraine's fork froze mid-air. Her entire posture tensed.

"What the hell are you doing here?" she asked, the question barely a whisper, yet somehow commanding the silence in the room.

Nathan gave her a tight smile.

"Family dinner," he said. "Didn't want to miss it."

Loraine forced her hand to steady, even as her thoughts raced. She hadn't seen him since their confrontation in her office. And now here?

The game had changed.

And the next move must be hers.

So much for directing the dinner?