Secrets

Return of the Illness

"I'd like to thank all of you for your attendance today at the Bi-annual socialite ladies luncheon. The proceeds from your generous contributions this afternoon go to the Ocean City Children's Hospital and Orphanage. It's an honor to be in the presence of such beautiful souls," Shawn Cassey, The owner of the high scale restaurant 'Opal,' announced happily with a wink at Victoria.

"Please enjoy the hors d'oeuvre while browsing the silent auction items. We will announce the winners during lunch which will be served in two hours. We hope you have a wonderful afternoon."

Lillian browsed the auction items casually, champagne in hand. None of them held any interest to her. Her target of the afternoon was the gorgeous dirty blonde in the yellow summer dress.

Natalia McGuiere; She was the sole owner of McGuiere Industries left to her by her late husband.

If you didn't factor in the smaller companies and hotel chains in her possession Natalia's net worth was still over 1.7 billion dollars. She was one of the most influential people in the country, and Lillian had a history with her.

Lillian was excited her plan worked, right down to the part where Shawn effectively kept Victoria out of her hair. The thought of trying to execute her plan with her friend by her side gave her the chills. Victoria didn't have a filter which meant the odds of her accidentally spilling her guts to Natalia were so high rappers respected it.

As Natalia browsed the auction items and mingled, Lillian took her time maneuvering towards her. One hour and forty-five minutes later she stood in front of the next item Natalia was to examine. She fiend interest in the four days three-night spa get-away in the Keys, she sighed softly as she felt her target settle next to her.

"I don't know, relaxation in the islands sounds amazing; but at the height of hurricane season has me hesitant," Lillian mused tilting her head at the brochure.

"Well sure, until you remember that others think like that, and the resort is basically empty," Natalia laughed gently as she leaned over to write down her bid.

"Ms. McGuiere?" Lillian asked with a fake gasp.

The woman looked up at the sound of her name and gave Lillian an excited smile "Now Lilly, how many times must we go over this. Please it's Natty, how are you my dear it's been years!"

Their empty hands linked, and hoity-toity air kisses were exchanged.

"It really has! Wow, since graduation actually! When..." Lillian allowed her smile to falter a bit before she cleared her throat and shook her head.

Natalia smiled knowingly, gently taking Lillian's cheek in her hand and rubbed a soothing thumb across it, "I know sweetheart. I'll stick to my words from that day he's a fool."

"How have you been?" Lillian asked clearing her throat to temporarily change the subject, she didn't want to jump into the Dean conversation just yet.

"I've been well, thank you for asking. Business is going great we've had a very profitable year so far," she responded returning to holding her mimosa with both hands.

"That's wonderful to hear, I'm so happy things are working out for you."

"Well for now," Natalia said with a soft laugh, "we'll see how that holds up in six months."

"What happens in six months?" Lillian asked as if she didn't know the answer already.

Natalia sighed "Dean turns Twenty-three."

Lillian simply lifted a curious brow to express her confusion.

"It's a long story," Natalia said with a dismissive wave of her hand, "I'm sure you don't want to be bothered with the details."