“It is proper etiquette, so there are no misunderstandings about your attendance,” Ava added, wanting the words to sting like a sharp needle.
When Ava walked back to her friends, the group burst into cruel laughter.
“Did she actually accept the invitation?” Chloe asked eagerly.
“Of course she accepted,” Ava replied with a smirk. “People of her social standing never realize when they are being used for entertainment.”
Nobody noticed that as soon as Lisa was completely alone, she placed the invitation into her pocket and exhaled slowly.
That night, in her modest apartment in the working-class neighborhood of East Nashville, Lisa showered and sat silently on her small bed. She read the golden letters on the invitation card one more time.
Then, she dialed a telephone number that she had memorized years ago.
“Hello?” a deep, powerful voice answered, carrying the heavy accent of a traditional Montana ranch owner.
“Grandpa, it is time,” Lisa said softly into the receiver.
There was a long pause on the other end of the line.
“Are you absolutely certain about this, sweetheart?” the old man asked.
“I am completely sure,” Lisa replied firmly.
“Then we will set everything into motion tomorrow morning,” her grandfather promised.
The next day, Ava enjoyed her breakfast on the sunny terrace with her oldest son, Zachary. He had been managing the family real estate empire since his father passed away, and he possessed a serious personality.
“I decided to invite Lisa to my birthday party,” Ava bragged over her meal.
Zachary paused and looked up from his tablet.
“Are you talking about Lisa Davis, our cleaning lady?” Zachary asked.
“Yes, Chloe thought it would be incredibly funny,” Ava laughed.
