Chapter 27

The Bennet kitchen was alive with the sounds of morning chaos. I sat on a barstool, a bottle of water in my hand, watching Claire Bennet move around the kitchen like a woman on a mission. The scent of coffee lingered in the air, mixing with the sound of Joe—Vanessa’s brother—shouting at his video game.

“You’ll go braindead by the time you’re twenty!” Claire called out toward the living room, waving a spatula for emphasis.

Joe didn’t flinch. His headphones were firmly planted on his head, his eyes glued to the screen.

I smirked, twisting the bottle cap. “He’s not even responding. By twenty, he won’t just be braindead—he’ll be a full-blown zombie.”

Claire shot me an approving grin. “Exactly! Someone gets it.”

Vanessa walked into the kitchen then, dressed in her usual no-nonsense jeans and a loose shirt. As she passed her brother, she smacked him lightly on the back of the head.

“Ow! Mom!” Joe yanked off his headphones and scowled at us. “She hit me again!”

Claire didn’t miss a beat. “You’ll live. Quit tattling.”

Vanessa rolled her eyes and grabbed an apple from the counter before sitting next to me. “God forbid he take a break from killing aliens.”

“Fake aliens,” Joe corrected with an eye roll, shoving his headphones back on.

I laughed, shaking my head. Mornings here were loud and messy, but there was something comforting about them. It was the kind of chaos that made a house feel like home.

“Have you told Elizabeth yet about helping with the ball tonight?” Claire’s voice cut through the moment, and I turned to look at her.

Vanessa groaned like Claire had just asked her to walk across fire. “Why are we even helping with 'their' ball?”

I raised my brows. “Wait, what ball?”

Claire sat down, cradling her coffee mug like it was her lifeline. “It’s for the Elvadors. The ball is to welcome them back to New Orleans.”

The name made something shift in my chest—an unease I couldn’t place. “Who are the Elvadors really?”

Claire seemed to choose her words carefully. “Their great-great-grandfather founded this town. Just like the Bennets and the Smiths, their family has a long history here. But the Elvadors were the originals, Elizabeth. They’ve been quietly funding the town for years—schools, orphanages, the French Quarter museum.”

“They’re also bullies,” Vanessa muttered under her breath, biting into her apple.

Claire shot her a warning glance before turning back to me. “When they returned recently, they made some… changes. For better or worse, they have a lot of power. They’re very important people.”

Vanessa snorted. “Influence, power, blah blah blah. They waltz in here, take over, and suddenly everyone’s kissing their feet. It’s pathetic.”

Claire ignored her daughter’s sarcasm and checked her phone. “I have to get to work. We’re finalizing everything at city hall today. 'Don’t' be late for the preparations.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Vanessa muttered, waving her off.

Claire smiled at me before walking out. “Elizabeth, you’ll love the ball. It’ll be a nice way to meet people. And wear something pretty.”

The door shut behind her, leaving Vanessa and me alone. I turned to her. “You really don’t like these Elvadors, do you?”

Vanessa huffed. “Nope. Not one bit. Rich, entitled, and now they think they own the town. You’ll see for yourself.”

\---

The day sped by faster than I expected. Vanessa and I headed to city hall to help with preparations for the ball, and I soon realized just how big of a deal this event was.

The city hall was bustling—tables being arranged, floral displays brought in, lights strung across the grand ceiling. I watched in awe as people moved about with purpose, carrying rolls of ribbons, trays of glasses, and silverware. It was chaotic, but in an organized way.

“Elizabeth, meet Chloe,” Vanessa said as we entered the hall.

I turned to see a girl bouncing toward us with an energy I could only describe as infectious. Chloe was beautiful—short golden-blonde hair styled to perfection, bright eyes, and a smile that seemed ready to charm anyone who looked her way.  Vanessa had already told me a lot about her best friend, she was also the Mayors daughter. The towns sweetheart ,everyone loved her.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so glad you’re here!” Chloe said, beaming. “I brought the ribbons.”

Vanessa snatched the bag of ribbons out of her hands and groaned. “Chloe. These are purple.”

Chloe blinked innocently. “Yeah. Purple is more royal. Gold is so overdone.”

Vanessa stared at her flatly. “You brought purple because it’s your favorite color.”

Chloe shrugged with a smile. “And because it’s my favorite color. But look how pretty it is!”

I couldn’t help but smile as I tied a ribbon around one of the chairs. Chloe was like a whirlwind of enthusiasm. I was still getting used to her energy, though I could see why Vanessa called her a best friend.

“Are you excited for tonight, Elizabeth?” Chloe asked, moving to my side.

“I guess,” I admitted. “I don’t really know what to expect.”

“Oh, you’ll love it. The Elvadors have 'class.' I mean, they’re practically royalty around here.”

Vanessa snorted loudly. “Right. Royalty. Bullies with money, more like.”

Chloe ignored her, linking her arm with mine. “Don’t mind her. Vanessa hates anything that involves fun. Trust me, it’s going to be amazing.”

I glanced over at Vanessa, who was tying the ribbons a little too aggressively. “You are really into this,”

Chloe’s eyes lit up. “How could I not be? Have you seen them? Gorgeous, rich, mysterious. The Elvadors are like a fairytale family.”

Vanessa rolled her eyes so hard I thought they might get stuck. “A nightmare fairytale.”

Before I could respond, I felt a warm hand on my back. I turned to see Nicholas walking toward us, a grin lighting up his face.

“Hey, you.”

“Hey yourself,” I replied, suddenly aware of the blush creeping up my cheeks.

Chloe’s grin widened like a cat that had caught its prey. “Well, if it isn’t Nicholas. Did you come to help decorate or just flirt with Elizabeth?”

Nicholas shrugged, his smile not faltering. “Can’t it be both?”

I rolled my eyes, even as my heart fluttered. “He’s here to work, Chloe.”

“Right.” Nicholas grabbed a roll of ribbons and winked at me. “Working. Very hard.”

Chloe excused herself to go decorate the stage, leaving me and Nicholas tying ribbons side by side.

“You’re really enjoying this,” I said, raising an eyebrow at him.

“What can I say? I like spending time with you.”

I looked away, suddenly shy. Nicholas had been so amazing, but we agreed to take things slow. Besides, I was still getting to know who I really was. I didn't want to rush anything, and he was so sweet he understood he even kept—bringing ice cream when he had time, checking in on me. I didn’t know what to call what we had, but I liked it.

Vanessa suddenly appeared beside us, smirking. “You two are disgustingly cute, you know that?”

Nicholas just grinned. “She thinks I’m cute. I’ll take it.”

“Get back to work,” I said, pushing his arm playfully.

\---

By the time we finished decorating, I was exhausted. Nicholas dropped Vanessa and me back at the Bennet house so we could get ready for the ball. When I stepped into my room, I stopped short.

A large, elegant box sat on my bed, tied with a silk ribbon.

“What’s this?” I asked, picking it up.

Vanessa appeared in the doorway, holding her dress. “No clue. Open it.”

I carefully untied the ribbon and lifted the lid. Inside was the most beautiful gown I’d ever seen—black, made of delicate fabric that shimmered in the light, and embroidered with tiny blue crystals that looked like stars. My breath caught in my throat.

A small note fluttered out, and I picked it up.

“A gift. —Elvador.”

I frowned. “Elvador? Maybe this was meant for Claire?”

Claire appeared in the doorway, already dressed in an elegant evening gown. She smiled at the dress. “It’s on your bed and I am already dressed my love. Wear it. Turning down a gift from the Elvadors would be rude.”

“But—”

“No ‘buts,’ Elizabeth.” Claire turned to leave. “You’ll look beautiful. Now get dressed.”

Vanessa shrugged when I looked at her. “Hey, at least it’s pretty. You’re going to look amazing.”

I sighed, running my fingers over the fabric. The Elvadors were starting to feel like shadows in my life—everywhere but just out of reach. Why did their name always make me uneasy?

I didn’t have an answer, but as I held up the dress, I knew one thing: tonight was going to be a long night.