The invitation was delivered by courier on Wednesday morning.
Ruby opened the envelope with a sense of dread already settling in her stomach. She knew the handwriting even before she saw the signature. Sharp. Controlled. The kind of handwriting that had never been told no.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Sterling,
I would be honored if you would join me for a weekend at my coastal estate. I believe there's much we could discuss—business, of course, but also the future of this beautiful region we both love. I've invited a few other prominent local figures. It would be a shame for you to miss the opportunity to connect.
I do hope you'll come. It's been too long since we've had a proper conversation.
Warmest regards,
Alistair Cavendish
Ruby read the letter twice, then handed it to Nicholas.
"He's inviting us to his house," she said flatly. "After everything he's done. After Genevieve. After Sarah. After all of it. He wants us to come for dinner."
