Page 89 of Catalyst

“This is a party to celebrate how proud we are of you and how you’ve handled everything over the last month.” Adam wraps his arm around my waist and pulls me deeper into the room.

Cindy and Steven hug me first. “We couldn’t be prouder of you, sweetheart,” Cindy says.

Katie brings me a glass of champagne and gives me a hug to go with it. “You are one kick-ass chick, my friend. And very, very lucky. The Ellis family has some seriously good genes.” She wiggles her eyebrows up and down, making me laugh.

I make the rounds, giving out hugs and thank-yous to everyone. The love in this room is overwhelming, and I’m beyond grateful to have all these people in my life standing by my side.

Stephanie and Tag are last, but I squeeze Steph the hardest. She’s surprised me at every single turn since the attack. After the interview aired, it felt a little like all hell broke loose. News outlets were spreading the story far and wide, and I knew I’d get some backlash from my parents. What I couldn’t believe was how my sister stepped up to defend me at every turn. Throughout this whole ordeal, Steph has had my back. She’s shielded me from our parents’ anger and made sure I had everything I needed. It’s sort of blown me away.

Over the next hour, we eat and drink and eat some more. The jokes flow as freely as the alcohol, and my cheeks are killing me from laughing this long. When dinner is over, everyone mingles around the room, eating the small cheesecake bites the restaurant is famous for.

“When do your graphic design classes start?” Stephanie asks. She and Tag sit next to me at the table with drinks in hand.

“Not until after the new year. I keep meaning to tell you that I was awarded that scholarship! My tuition will be paid in full.” After Junior and Clifford Senior were arrested and denied bail, I went back to Sidelines to continue being Adam’s assistant. I genuinely missed being in the office and am going to keep working for Adam until classes start. The timing worked out perfectly for when Tessa is set to come back to the office in January. We got to meet her twin girls last week, and it was the highlight of my month.

And now, with my tuition being paid, all I have to focus on is my living expenses. After the marketing campaign for Sidelines went live, I’ve had loads of interest in my design work. Everyone loved the drawings and Sidelines’ business has skyrocketed since it was released.

“That’s fantastic! I’m so proud of you, Ellie.”

A noise at the door has everyone’s heads turning.

“What the fuck?” Stephanie whispers. Her eyes widen at whoever just walked through the door. I look over my shoulder, and my mouth drops.

“Why is Mom here?” I can’t help the accusation in my tone. Stephanie’s the only connection to them. How else did she know we were here?

“I don’t know, but I swear I didn’t tell her about this.” She stands from the table. “I’ll handle it.”

I stay at the table, watching Steph as she talks to our mom. Her hands fly in the air, proving to me that she’s as angry as I am that she’s here.

I decide to go over there to back her up, knowing full well how hard it can be to stand up to her. When I get close, Mom’s glacier gaze pins me to where I stand. I have to force my feet to continue moving. “What are you doing here?” I ask. “And how did you find us?”

“She tracked my phone,” Stephanie says with disgust. Before I can say anything to that, Mom interrupts.

“I’m here to talk some sense into you. You are going to stop this preposterous accusation toward the Byrnes family immediately. I thought you’d see sense by now, but because you haven’t, I’m going to have to take drastic measures.”

“No.”

Mom’s head jerks back as if I slapped her. “What do you mean,no? I am your mother. Whatever tantrum you’re throwing right now needs to end.”

“No.” I smirk at her. She holds no power over me any longer. “Whatever you’re trying to do right now won’t work. Those men are disgusting examples of how wealth and privilege allow a person to believe they can do whatever they please without consequences. It’s time they take some responsibility for their actions.”

“Stephanie, did you tell her what’s going to happen if this continues?” Mom’s voice turns hysterical.

“No, because it doesn’t affect her. Nor should she care.”

I look at my sister. “What is she talking about?”

“Apparently, the Byrnes family has been bankrolling Mom and Dad’s business. If they go to prison, Mom and Dad lose everything.”

My mouth drops in shock. No wonder they were happy to side with them all this time. Then it hits me. “Steph, you’ll lose everything. What about your wedding?”

The smile she gives me is one free of any burden. “Tag and I are starting our own business. We’ve saved up enough money to open a storefront to sell high-end vintage clothes. I’ve gotten to know some great suppliers. I can’t wait. We’ll have to wait a bit to get married, but we don’t mind.”

“Oh, Steph, that sounds perfect for you. But why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want to have to explain about the money thing because I knew you’d feel responsible, and you already had a lot going on. Adding to it seemed silly. I figured I would just tell you once things died down.” She shrugs.

Someone hooks their arm with mine, turning my attention back to Mom. “I’m sorry, this is a closed party for family only. You weren’t invited, so I’ll have to ask you to leave.” Cindy’s face is a picture of calm as she stares down my mother.

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