Beyond the Betrayal

The atmosphere is lively in the afternoon banquet as guests, dress in elegant attire, honors the prominent families who contributed to the economic rise of Texas. As the host quiets the chatter in the ballroom, he calls for the Spencer family to come forward.

Jacob Spencer lips turn into a gentle upturn, standing with his back straight, he offers his hand to his wife, Dorian; who in return rests her hand in his and gracefully follows him onto the stage.

“We are honored to be here this afternoon amongst such outstanding people,” Jacob begins, his voice projecting through the hall. “When our company formed two centuries ago, the founders didn’t think it would grow into the business it is today. Spencer Inc. has weathered many storms, contributing money, skills, and assets to the economy with the hope that the future of Texas would grow even bigger. Tonight, we want to thank you for this recognition and hope that Spencer Inc. continue to grow stronger and better in the future.”

Listening to the people applause, Jacob wraps an arm around his wife’s waist while his other hand gestures for his son to come up on stage with them for a family photo. Kyle Spencer eyes shine with mischief as he stands up, turns around and moves to the table behind him to escort his fiancée to the stage to stand by him and his parents, which cause a force smile to appear on Dorian Spencer’s face as she watches Amanda hold onto Kyle’s arm marking her identity as the future Mrs. Spencer. Not wanting to make a fuss, she maintains her poise, blinking through the rhythmic flashes of the cameras.

A man standing beside the photographer with a reporter badge speaks up with keen interest. “Mr. Spencer, can you tell us the relationship between the Gold’s daughter and your son?”

A deep laugh escapes Jacob’s lips. He steps back, motioning toward the young couple. “Amanda Gold and my son, Kyle Spencer, are engaged to be married.”

More flashes erupt. A Gold-Spencer wedding is the kind of news that stays on the front pages for weeks, bringing immense publicity to both dynasties.

Descending from the stage, Amanda heads back to her family’s table. Her father smiles in approval, and her mother gently nudges her shoulder, a proud grin on her face. Amanda basks in the praise, feeling a surge of pride. While the Gold family isn’t as old as the Spencer’s, their founders worked just as hard to become prominent. This union will push the Gold status higher than ever before.

The purse in her lap vibrates as a phone buzzes inside. She pulls it out to find a text from her best friend, Sarah: Looking good, soon-to-be Mrs. Spencer.

Amanda smiles and texts back: Are you here? If so, where?

The reply is instant: At the back! The last table by the door.

Amanda turns around and scans the room for the Kemp family. Spotting them, she excuses herself and walks briskly toward their table.

“Mr. and Mrs. Kemp! How are you doing?”

The couple smiles warmly. “We are doing great, thank you for asking,” Vivian Kemp says. Her eyes drift past Amanda, watching Kyle talk to other influential guests, before focusing back on the girl in front of her. Vivian leans forward, her eyes focus. “Tell me, how did you stay by Kyle’s side long enough to become the future Mrs. Spencer? I try to get this girl to find a man like Kyle, but she doesn’t listen. She hangs around questionable people. And to think, she and Kyle were friends long before you two even met.”

“MOM!” Sarah lets out a low, embarrassed scream. “Please ignore her. She’s had a few too many glasses of wine.”

Covering a laugh with her hand, Amanda shakes her head. “It’s okay! I know Mrs. Kemp is just pulling my leg. But Sarah, I didn’t know you and Kyle were best friends before we started dating. Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Oh, it was just from when we were at summer camp. It’s no big deal,” Sarah says, laughing it off quickly.

“No big deal?” Vivian interjects. “They used to spend all their time together, even outside of camp. If she hadn’t met you, I would have thought she was having a tomboy streak, the way she did everything with those boys. When he was sent to boarding school, they lost touch, but if they had stayed in contact, they would have—”

“Okay, Mom, that’s enough alcohol for you,” Sarah cuts in. She takes the wine glass from her mother and helps her up. Her sister, Katherine, assists in escorting Vivian outside the room. Sarah watches them leave before sitting back down and patting the chair next to her.

“Sorry about her. She’s worried about Jason. He hasn’t shown up at home or the Company and it’s causing problems. She’s panicking that he’s out causing trouble while shirking his duties. That, and the financial losses the company is facing, has her on edge.”

Amanda waves a hand dismissively. “It’s fine. We grew up together; we’re practically a close non-related family. Just know that if you need any help, I’m here and I can get my father to step in.”

Something flashes through Sarah’s eyes—a brief, unreadable spark—but it vanishes instantly. “You don’t have to ask your father for help. My family will get over this hurdle soon. When we do, we’ll be on par with the Gold’s—and probably the Spencer’s.”

“Not exactly on par with the Spencer’s,” a cold voice interrupts. “But you might catch up with the Gold’s if your family works as hard as they do.”

Amanda turns to find Dorian Spencer standing behind her. She offers a tight smile, turning a deaf ear to the jab at her own family’s status. Sarah straightens her posture. “Mrs. Spencer. How are you doing this afternoon?”

Dorian glances at Sarah with a nonchalant look before dismissing her entirely. She looks at Amanda. “As the future Mrs. Spencer, you should conduct yourself properly. Running across the floor is not ladylike, especially for someone from a high-class family.”

“Yes, Mrs. Spencer,” Amanda murmurs.

“And what is that red ribbon doing in your hair?”

Amanda reaches up to touch the silk bow. “It matches my dress. I like ribbons; they’re a bit of a signature piece for me.”

“It’s childish,” Dorian says flatly. “You’re going to be in the public eye constantly once you marry into this family. Please dress more appropriately in the future. I don’t want the ladies gossiping about my daughter-in-law.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Satisfied, Dorian walks away. Sarah and Amanda wait until she is out of earshot before they start giggling.

“If you dress any more ‘elegant’ than this, you’ll bring the Victorian Era back into style,” Sarah whispers.

Once the laughter dies down, Sarah leans in closer. “After this is over, I have a surprise for you.”

Amanda’s eyes shine with genuine interest. “You know I love surprises.”