The charity gala was the most anticipated event of the year for the Lawrence family. Held annually in the grand opera house downtown, under a dome adorned with Renaissance-style frescoes and crystal chandeliers dripping with thousands of cut prisms, the venue was a study in opulence. All proceeds were donated to war zones, making it the perfect stage for the social elite to launder their reputations and collect medals.
I heard that this year, Loren had arranged a special highlight for my dear sister: a solo exhibition and auction. Rosa had studied oil painting at the Academy of Fine Arts, and her graduation piece had even won a minor award. Rumors in the circle hailed her as a "talented and beautiful socialite." I was mid-sip of coffee when I heard this, a small smile playing on my lips.
