The following morning Adeide is in her bedroom standing in front of her body mirror. She is wearing a form-fitting white short-sleeve dress with a bck colr. Her hair is styled in a beehive. After assessing herself she goes downstairs where she sees a shadow. She swiftly makes her way toward the shadow. When she sees Titus standing in her foyer an ice-cold expression casts a spell on her face.

  "What the hell are you doing in my house?"

  Titus walks over to her and wraps his hands around her neck. He shoves her against the staircase wall and proceeds to choke her.

  "What were you doing at my house st night?!" Titus asks tightening his grip.

  "Answer me!"

  "So you're not denying that you're sleeping with that whore" Adeide manages to say.

  "I'm going to tell you one more time!"

  Adeide's eyes widen.

  "I w-was looking for you" Adeide pants coiling her hands into fists.

  "You have no reason to be looking for me. Stay off my property!"

  Titus says harshly inches away from her face.

  Adeide chuckles at him.

  "What's so damn funny?"

  "You. In case you weren't aware I'm also an attorney."

  Titus clenches his teeth.

  "I don't care if you're the president of the United States. You came after my fiancé and that's unforgivable!"

  "Y-Yes I did," Adeide says boldly reaching down and grabbing his testicles and squeezing th

  Titus screams while releasing her. Adeide catches her breath quickly before punching him. Titus stumbles back and Adeide tackles him to the floor and straddles him. She begins punching him in his face. Satisfied with his bloody face Adeide undoes his tie secures it tightly around his neck and proceeds to drag him out the front door into her driveway. She looks down at the former military officer in satisfaction.

  "The wolf is here to stay," Adeide says trenchantly before returning inside.

  Titus is left in the bzing morning sun.

  Magnolia arrives at Antebellum Paradise where she is greeted by her receptionist Vanessa. Vanessa is in her early twenties with medium-length bck hair. Her hair is pushed back by a white headband. She is wearing a sleeveless shirt with bck scks and bck shoes. Her eyes are of a hazel shade.

  "Good morning Mrs. Lexington how are you?" Vanessa asks kindly.

  "I'm fine and you?"

  "I'm good thank you."

  "That's good, how are the residents?"

  "Everyone went home for the weekend."

  "Good, they need to spend time with their families. Also, I won't be coming in today. If anything happens, please don't hesitate to call me at home." Magnolia says before leaving.

  Down in Harmonica Dock at Hexel Real Property, the receptionist is walking across the parking lot. Before reaching her car, she stumbles upon Lowry and Carlton's remains. She screams horrified before running inside and calling the police. Eleven minutes ter HDPD and forensics arrive. The HDPD cordons the parking lot. A white car with bck stripes pulls into the parking lot. District Attorney Renee Cash exits the car.

  She has medium brown skin with sharp eyebrows. Her brown eyes are clouded in determination. Her long bck hair is styled in a low ponytail. Her thin lips are coated in burgundy lipstick. She's wearing a bck pantsuit with a white blouse underneath. She puts on a white glove and heads over to Chief Brandon Lorelei.

  Chief Lorelei is in his mid-forties with bck hair that is combed back. He is wearing a gray uniform with a duty belt. He has his hands on his hips looking at the crime scene.

  "Hey, Chief Lorelei what happened here?"

  "It looks like a bad deal gone wrong,"

  "What kind of bad deal?" Renee inquires pcing her hand on her hip.

  "Graves Manor had just gone up for sale. Maybe they tried to double-cross the buyer." Brandon deduces looking at their bodies.

  "There's only one person capable of doing such a heinous crime."

  "Who would that be?"

  "Magnolia Graves-Lexington,"

  Soon some policemen approach them.

  "Good work men. Take them to the coroner's office for forensic testing."

  Two gurneys are wheeling them to a bck van.

  Hexel Real Property's receptionist then approaches them.

  "I was the person who found them so I went and called the police."

  "Do you anyone who would want them dead? Also, did you see anyone enter the parking lot while they were here?"

  "No sir I don't and I didn't see anyone. All heard were gunshots and screeching tires."

  "Okay, thank you."

  "We'll get to the bottom of this," Renee says clenching her fists.

  "I know we will."

  Renee leaves and goes to her car.

  After buckling up she drives off.

  "All this for a politician who imposed racist ws? You will be brought to justice Lexington."

  Titus awakes and sits up. He looks at his watch and sees it well after one o'clock. He struggles to his feet. He looks at Adeide's mansion vengefully before going to his car. When he gets home, he is greeted by Francine. Francine is wearing a royal blue silk robe with rollers in her hair.

  "What happened?" Francine asks rushing to his side.

  "T-that nigger happened!"

  "Let's sit you down and get that swelling reduced," Francine says leading him to the living room.

  After sitting down on the couch Francine looks at him worriedly.

  "Thank you."

  Francine pces her finger on his mouth.

  "Don't talk we don't want to prolong recovery. Here put your feet on the ottoman" Francine says helping Titus.

  Titus feels himself rexing against the soft furniture. Francine retreats to the kitchen to retrieve some ice and the first aid kit. When she returns, she applies it to his jaw. The cold sensation makes him wince but it soon subsides. As she's applying some alcohol to his wounds the doorbell rings.

  Bobby walks downstairs to the foyer. Before opening the door, he gathers his composure. When he opens the door, he's shocked to see his mother.

  "Mother, how are you?"

  "I'm doing good, is everyone here?" Magnolia says kissing Bobby's cheek.

  "Good and yes ma'am," Bobby says stepping aside.

  Magnolia walks to the east staircase.

  "Emma, Ivy, Johnny can you come downstairs please?!"

  Moments ter they come downstairs.

  "How are you?" Ivy asks relieved hugging Magnolia.

  When they separate, they look into each other's eyes tearfully.

  "I've missed my children," Magnolia says cupping Ivy's cheek.

  "We've missed you too," Ivy sobs.

  Magnolia then looks over at Johnny.

  "Hi Johnny how are you?" Magnolia asks hugging him.

  "Not good," Johnny says sadly.

  "I'm so sorry honey but I'm here now," Magnolia says kissing Johnny's forehead.

  Johnny smiles tearfully at her before Magnolia gives her attention to Emma.

  "Emma, how are you?" Magnolia asks curiously looking at her eldest daughter smiling.

  "I'm doing just fine. I'm still the most gorgeous bell in all the south." Emma says arrogantly.

  Magnolia shakes her head sighing.

  "You must humble yourself, Emma. Arrogance is not a becoming quality." Magnolia scolds before kissing her cheek.

  "As long as daddy thinks I'm beautiful that's all that matters," Emma says proudly.

  "Now that I've seen all of you, I can slumber peacefully. I love you." Magnolia says tearfully looking at her children.

  "We love you too," Ivy says before they retreat upstairs.

  Magnolia goes to the living room where she sees Titus sitting on the couch. She comes around to the front and sits down next to him with a rejuvenated smile.

  "Hi Titus, how are you?" Magnolia asks looking between them.

  "I was doing fine until your voice invaded my ears," Titus says closing his eyes.

  "What is that supposed to mean?"

  "Just what it sounds like, now what the hell do you want?" Titus asks opening his eyes and staring at his wife.

  "I came to see our children and to speak to you."

  "You came, you saw them now leave. I don't have a damn thing to say to you!" Titus growls.

  Magnolia looks at him hurt.

  Francine returns with two bags of ice covered in washcloths.

  "If it isn't my husband's longstanding concubine Francine Moon,"

  "You know my name. I must be really famous."

  "You're not famous but you are as dumb as a bag of rocks. I only know of you because of the tawdry letters you wrote Titus while he was enlisted. I also discovered some distasteful photographs of you during that time. It really shows how desperate a dog is when it has to dig in the gutter for week-old trash." Magnolia says sharply staring Francine in her eyes.

  "There's nothing distasteful about me. Everything on my body tastes like filet mignon and red wine. I'm his fiancé and you're in my seat, now move!" Francine shoots venomously.

  Magnolia remains seated.

  A serious expression then takes hold of Magnolia's face. This makes Francine smile delightfully.

  "You're not his fiancé you're the bitch who doesn't know her pce. When the wife enters the room, you are supposed to leave like the dog you are with your tail tucked."

  "I'm not one to be trifled with."

  Magnolia looks at Titus pursing her lips.

  "This is what I feared most," Magnolia says sadly looking at Titus.

  "Are you really surprised Magnolia? I guess it is true that your diary tells your darkest secrets" Titus chuckles.

  Magnolia's eyes then turn cold like an icicle in the Arctic.

  "You read my diary?!" Magnolia asks angrily.

  "I did. I had no idea you wanted out of this marriage after all these years. You were looking for a way out and now you have it." Titus says as Francine sits down on his opposite side.

  Magnolia stands to her feet. She watches as Francine nurses his wounds.

  "January 5, 1944." Magnolia ments tearfully.

  Titus stares at her speechless.

  (Fshback, January 5, 1944)

  The air was like Antarctica. Harmonica Dock was like Santa Cus visiting on Christmas day. Yet there was life on the highway. Alongside the highway was a diner. It was white with a chrome roof. On the front of the building, it read Kat's Diner in red neon lights. Upon entering you were welcomed by the smell of hamburgers, steaks, and French fries and light conversation.

  The floors were bck and white checkered.

  Fifteen booths went around the wall in a U shape. The seats were candy apple red. The tables were beige with chrome trim. On the tables were bck napkin holders. On the right side of the napkin holder was a yellow bottle containing mustard and a red one containing ketchup. To the right were two small gss bottles containing salt and pepper. In the middle of the building is the bar.

  It is white with chrome trim. The bar stools are red with chrome trim. Magnolia came out of the kitchen holding a circur tray with two ptes on it. She is wearing a red short-sleeve dress, a white apron, and white tennis shoes. Her hair is pulled back into a rge bun. Her lower eyelids are covered in bck eyeliner and her lips are covered in red lipstick. She goes to the eighth booth and sets the tray down before the customers.

  "Here are your orders. I hope you all enjoy yourselves. Let me know if you need anything else." Magnolia said warmly in her Arkansas accent.

  Moments ter an adolescent male enters the establishment. Magnolia looks over at him. He has fair skin with short bck hair and blue eyes. He is wearing an olive-green trench coat, a gray scarf, a bck fur hat, bck jeans, and bck tennis shoes. He goes to the third boot and sits down. Magnolia smiles and walks over to his booth.

  "Welcome to Kat's Diner I'm Magnolia and I'll be your waitress. What can I get for you this evening?" Magnolia asked getting his attention.

  "Can I get a double cheeseburger with no onions, extra pickles, lettuce, unsalted French fries, and a medium vanil milkshake?"

  The male says looking at her as she writes down his order.

  "Coming right up. Your order will be out within the next thirty to forty-five minutes." Magnolia said before walking away.

  The teen took a moment to look around the diner. He saw portraits of athletes that hung above the bar. Forty-five minutes ter Magnolia returned with his order and set it down in front of him.

  "I hope it tastes as good as you look." the teen said flirtatiously which made Magnolia blush.

  "Our food is made with love and care," Magnolia said proudly.

  "Good. My name is Titus, Titus Lexington." Titus said as he extended his hand which Magnolia shook.

  "It's nice to meet you. Well, I have other customers to tend to so let me know if you need anything." Magnolia said.

  Titus nodded his head with a smile before she walked away.

  The following January 5 Magnolia and Titus had entered courtship and she invited Titus to Graves Manor that Sunday for dinner. Magnolia wore a white off-the-shoulder dress with open-toe slingback heels. Her hair is styled in a French braid crown. Her face was made up of powder, bck eyeliner, and nude lipstick. Curtis wore a gray button-down shirt, bck scks, and bck dress shoes. On his left wrist was a gold watch. Erie wore a China dress with bck kitten heels. Her hair was styled in a nice pompadour and her face was made up in light powder, bck eyeliner, and red lipstick.

  A knock comes on the door and Magnolia rushes downstairs to the front door. Curtis and Erie stood in the foyer. Curtis had his arms crossed and looked suspicious and protective. Moments ter Magnolia unlocks and opens the door. She stepped aside and let Titus in. He wore a white polo shirt, gray pants, and white tennis shoes. After shutting the door Magnolia csped her right hand with his and they walked over to her parents.

  "Mother, Daddy this is my gentleman caller Titus Lexington," Magnolia said proudly introducing him.

  "It's a pleasure to meet you both," Titus said as he extended his hand.

  Curtis kept his arms folded while Erie shook his hand. Soon the trio headed to the dining room. Erie had prepared fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, colrd greens, bck-eyed peas, and sweet cornbread. Curtis sat at the head of the table. Erie sat at the tail and Magnolia and Titus sat on opposite sides between them.

  "This looks very delicious," Titus said famished looking at the table.

  "Why thank you, Titus. I'd like to think I did a good job preparing everything." Erie beamed modestly as she looked him in his eyes.

  "So, what are your goals, son?" Curtis asked in a booming tone which got Titus' attention.

  "I'm not sure yet sir, I'm still figuring that out," Titus responded nervously while Magnolia looked at her father with equal anxiety.

  "You should at least have an idea of what you want to do. I mean college is right around the corner and in the world we live in a man should always have a pn. As I'm sure you are aware my family is wealthy and I don't want you only with my daughter for financial gain. Because if you are I will make sure that you never see her again." Curtis threatened/

  Titus who gulped fearfully.

  "I understand sir. I would never only be with someone based on monetary alone." Titus said seriously.

  "We shall see," Curtis said as they filled their ptes.

  (End of Fshback)

  "Here we are nineteen years ter and you've been messing with an irrelevant concubine for the past seven years,"

  "We haven't slept in the same room for a month and we haven't had sex in eight years. Do you honestly think reminiscing will reignite the spark?" Titus says making Francine ugh.

  "I didn't come here to reignite anything. I came here to shed some light on your leeching and lecherous ways. You never wanted my love. You had me head over hills in love while you were ravishing someone else. My father was right about you. I can't believe I allowed myself to become blind." Magnolia chuckles as tears continue rolling down her cheeks.

  "Right about what, he's dead," Titus says resuming his ughter.

  "I realized I was foolish forever loving and marrying you!"

  Titus' ughter quickly ceases.

  "Here's your chance to divorce me and find your soul mate because I found mine," Titus says happily smiling at Francine.

  "I will gdly oblige you. You'll walk away with your life and this house. As for Ivy and Johnny, they come live with me." Magnolia says seriously.

  Titus smirks at her.

  "What makes you so sure they want to live with you?"

  "Firstly, you don't care about them and secondly you made it perfectly clear who your favorites are."

  "That's true, well you can do whatever you want," Titus says ignoring Magnolia.

  "Who bruised your face?"

  Titus' face quickly pivots to anger.

  "You don't worry about that. Just get your mistakes and get the hell out of my house."

  Magnolia lowers her eyes defensively.

  "They're not mistakes they're our children."

  "Kids I need to speak with you!"

  Soon enough her children are at the bottom of the stairs.

  "Your father and I aren't seeing eye to eye anymore. So, if you want you can live with me in August."

  "Emma and I are staying with Father," Bobby says adamantly with his arms folded.

  "I know you two aren't going anywhere. This invitation is for Ivy and Johnny." Magnolia said looking at them.

  "Really, we can come live with you?" Johnny asks shocked.

  "Absolutely. You'll never have to come back ever again."

  Johnny hugs her tightly.

  "I'd love that!" Johnny says tearfully separating from her.

  "I don't want to leave Johnny at their mercy. Plus, I've missed you. But why can't we leave now?" Ivy ments.

  "I'm getting my house together which will take two months. After that, I'll come and get you guys."

  "Sounds like a pn."

  "Wonderful. We'll see you in August." Magnolia says sweetly kissing each of her children's cheeks.

  After leaving Titus' home she drives to Antebellum Paradise. When she arrives, she goes to Rosy Knoxville's room.

  Rosy has long white hair that was styled in a blowout style. Her semi-wrinkled face retained smoothness making her appear younger than her actual age. Her blue eyes are doused in happiness and satisfaction.

  "Ms. Rosy, how have you been?" Magnolia asks enthusiastically taking Rosy's hand into hers.

  "I've been good. Some of your residential assistants don't know how to treat a young fox. Then there are some that I adore." Rosy says making Magnolia ugh.

  "You still believe you twenty-one," Magnolia says making Rosy chuckle.

  "You better believe it," Rosy says pointing at her.

  "But in all seriousness, you have my word. I'm going to talk to them about their performance." Magnolia says rubbing Rosy's shoulder.

  "Good, well I don't want to keep you any more than I already have. I'll see you around."

  Magnolia stands to her feet.

  "Take care," Magnolia says sweetly kissing her left cheek.

  "You too Ms. Lexington"

  Magnolia momentarily closes her eyes. Upon opening them she smiles at Rosy.

  "Please call me Magnolia. You're more than just a resident you're family." Magnolia beams making Rosy beam with happiness.

  "Thank you for being here for me,"

  Magnolia squeezes her hand.

  "You're welcome dear," Magnolia said before leaving.

  Out in the hallway, Magnolia exhales heavily. She goes downstairs to her office. When she enters her office, Magnolia sits down at her desk and pces her face in her palms. She takes a moment to cry. As she sobs a knock comes on her door. Magnolia quickly wipes her tears and regains her composure.

  "Come in,"

  When the door opens Adeide walks in and shuts the door. She's wearing her dress from earlier. She has her purse resting on her right arm.

  "Hey Maggie how are you?" Adeide asks walking to Magnolia's desk and sitting down.

  "Horrible. My hunch came true today."

  "What hunch?"

  "Titus has a mistress. He's been with her for the st seven years."

  Adeide shakes her head.

  "Things just keep popping up like a jack in the box," Adeide says leaning back.

  "Did you know about her?"

  "Yes, but only just recently. I didn't tell you because I didn't want to seem like a meddler."

  Magnolia looks away from her momentarily.

  "I understand," Magnolia said and Adeide leaned forward staring Magnolia in her eyes.

  "I am so sorry Magnolia. I can only imagine what you're feeling. If you need to talk, I'm here." Adeide says making Magnolia smile.

  "Thanks, Adeide,"

  Their conversation is interrupted by a knock at the door.

  "Come in,"

  When the door opens four elderly men dressed in bck business suits flood into the office.

  "The board of directors, do what do I owe the pleasure?" Magnolia asks rising to her feet.

  "Ms. Silverston could you excuse us please?" the man in the middle asks cordially.

  Adeide looks at Magnolia smiling.

  "Absolutely," Adeide says rising to her feet.

  She then hugs Magnolia and leaves the office. When Adeide is gone the four men look at Magnolia.

  "We're here because we want to sell our shares of the company to you." the second man says.

  "Are you sure this is what you want?"

  "Yes. We've been on the board of directors here for twenty-four years. It's time we retire and spend our final years rexing with our wives and grandchildren." the man in the middle says.

  Magnolia nods her head in agreement.

  The man in the middle then goes and pces a bck briefcase on Magnolia's desk. When the man opens it he pces four documents across her desk.

  "These documents state that we are selling our shares and resigning our positions over to you," the man says stepping back.

  Magnolia reads over the document and when she finishes, she looks up at him sad.

  "I thought you would have sold your shares to my husband."

  "Well seeing as you were the one who started these business ventures it's only right to talk to you about any major decisions." the man says sweetly with appreciation.

  Magnolia catches on to what he is saying.

  "I definitely appreciate you all leaving your shares with me," Magnolia says grabbing a pen.

  She signs her signature and dates it. After signing the documents Magnolia pces, them inside the briefcase.

  "Thank you for doing business with us and standing by our side all these years." the man says.

  Magnolia rises to her feet to shake each of their hands.

  "No thank you. It was an honor working with you."

  When they finish shaking hands, they leave the office. Magnolia sits back down in her chair relieved. Adeide then finds herself back in front of Magnolia.

  "What was that all about?" Adeide asks getting comfortable as Magnolia grins.

  "You'll find out soon, I promise," Magnolia says vaguely.

  "I can't wait. Well darling I'm going to get going. I have to go the office." Adeide says pulling out a peppermint.

  As silence falls over the room Adeide pces her hand on Magnolia's. Adeide pats Magnolia's hand before getting up and walking to the door. When she reaches the door the telephone rings.

  "Hello. Yes, I will." Magnolia says looking through the window of her office.

  Adeide looks back at her curiously.

  "Okay, thank you goodbye," Magnolia says and hangs up.

  "Who was that?" Adeide asks and Magnolia smiles excitedly.

  "Vera Chang. She's hosting the annual Bourgeois Party tonight. She wanted to know if I was attending"

  "Are you?"

  "Of course, are you?"

  "You know I am," Adeide says making Magnolia smile.

  "Good. I'll see you tonight"

  "See you tonight," Adeide says and leaves.

  Magnolia opens a mani folder and looks over some paperwork.

  Night falls and the Bourgeois Party is drawing closer. Bobby is in his bedroom standing in front of his body mirror. He's wearing a bck suit with a bow tie. His hair is gelled over in a pompadour. He goes downstairs to the foyer and waits for the others.

  Emma is in her bedroom putting on her earrings.

  Her outfit consists of a Confederate fg mermaid tail dress. The dress straps go around her neck while the mid-section hugs her curvaceous figure. Her hair is styled in a tight bun which dispys her elegantly made face. Her face is covered in loose powder. Her lips are veiled in bright red lipstick. Her upper eyelids are covered in red and blue eye shadow. She doesn't want to carry a purse so she substitutes it with a red coin purse.

  She pces it inside her brassiere and heads downstairs. Ivy is wearing a sleeveless white low-cut ruffled dress. Around her neck is a diamond neckce. In her ears are wind-chime-styled diamond earrings. Her hair is styled in water waves. Around the sides of her head are thick strands of hair. To top off her outfit are a pair of clear three-inch open-toe heels.

  She pces her hands on her hips while wearing a confident smile. After looking at her reflection Ivy grabs a strapless white suede purse. She heads downstairs to the foyer. When Emma and Bobby see her, they both wear identical looks of disgust.

  "What are you wearing?" Bobby asks disgusted.

  "True southern attire, more importantly, what is Emma wearing? The Civil War ended in 1865."

  "Well unlike what you're wearing this is a true testament to what the old South was and will always be," Emma says arrogantly spinning around.

  She finishes her presentation by confidently resting her hands on her hips.

  "I hope you're proud of your dress," Ivy says shaking her head.

  She goes and sits in a chair near the front door.

  "I am you're just jealous."

  Johnny is next to come down the staircase. He's wearing a blood-red suit with bck pels. His hair is combed over just like Bobby's but without the part. He has on a blood-red tie which compliments his bck shirt. He goes and stands next to Ivy.

  "Wow, two peas in a pod. It would seem that Johnny doesn't have a mind of his own." Emma mocks.

  Johnny looks away from her without a word.

  "What is that supposed to mean Emma?"

  "Johnny can't stand alone. He always needs someone to hold his hand and it's sickening." Emma hisses and Ivy smiles.

  "Just stand there, look ignorant, and keep your mouth shut." Ivy rebuts infuriating Emma.

  Titus comes downstairs with Francine on his arm. Titus is wearing a sapphire blue suit with a bck tie and bck pants. His hair is gelled making him look like a teenager. Francine is wearing a strapless burgundy dress with rhinestones adorning her breast area. Her hair is styled in finger waves. As she comes downstairs a train follows slowly behind. When they get to the foyer, they look at the children.

  "You two look despicable."

  Ivy ignores him and Johnny wipes his forming tears away. They all go to the car and drive to Vera Chang's mansion.

  When they arrive at the Federal-style mansion, they see Magnolia standing at the front door. Magnolia is wearing a navy blue blowout dress. The sleeves and breast area are ce. Her hair is pulled back into a bun with bangs sweeping across her forehead. In her ears are diamond studs with a matching neckce. On her left wrist is a diamond brioche. Ivy and Johnny rush over and hug her.

  "Hi, darlings you both look radiant," Magnolia says kissing their cheeks.

  "Thank you and you do as well," Johnny says returning the compliment.

  "Thank you and you look marvelous," Ivy says sweetly,

  "You're welcome sweetheart," Magnolia says sweetly looking at her children.

  When she doesn't see the others, they head inside. Upon entering the parlor room Magnolia spots Adeide in the distance.

  Adeide is wearing a peach evening gown with a shawl that forms into a cascading cape. Her neck is adorned with a sparkling dragon neckce that hugs her neck perfectly. Her hair is styled in a swept bouffant with curled sideburns.

  "Adeide!" Magnolia yells.

  Adeide turns in the direction of her voice. When she sees her, they walk over to each other and hug.

  "You look marvelous Maggie; your dress really expresses old money," Adeide says taken by Magnolia's dress.

  "Thank you and I love your dress. It speaks volumes about your reputation as a fashion designer." Magnolia says looking Adeide's dress over.

  "Thank you, Maggie," Adeide says happily looking over at Ivy and Johnny.

  "How are you two doing this evening?" Adeide asks happily extending her hand.

  "I'm doing fine so I can't compin," Ivy says politely shaking Adeide's hand.

  "I'm doing fine now that I'm here," Johnny says shaking her hand.

  "That's good. Well, I hope you enjoy yourselves." Adeide says.

  The two teens smile at her before leaving.

  "You know Maggie this is also known as the Bombshell Party. I wonder who's going to drop a bomb this year." Adeide says looking around the room.

  "Me too," Magnolia says looking around.

  Soon Titus and the others come in.

  "Look who it is," Adeide says looking passed Magnolia in disgust.

  Magnolia turns around to see Francine on Titus' arm.

  "Good evening, insecure wife," Francine says smugly.

  Magnolia smiles at her.

  "Good evening concubine," Magnolia says angering Titus.

  "Bobby, Emma how are you doing this evening?" Magnolia asks looking at her children.

  "Good," Bobby says answering for the both of them.

  "Good, Emma that dress is unbecoming darling,"

  "This is what I wanted to wear," Emma says sharply.

  "Don't take that tone with me. You are starting to get beside yourself." Magnolia comments looking at her daughter.

  "You look beautiful sweetheart," Titus says patronizingly.

  Magnolia gnces at him annoyed.

  "We'll leave you all to talk," Bobby says and the two teens leave.

  "If it isn't Chimney Smoker," Adeide taunts looking at Francine.

  "If it isn't the boot-licking monkey." Francine fires back.

  Adeide chuckles shaking her head.

  "Adeide," Titus growls.

  Magnolia looks in between them confused.

  "What's with the animosity?" Magnolia asks looking at him.

  "There's no animosity. He knows not to step out of line, don't you Titus?" Adeide asks coolly.

  "Yes, I do," Titus says.

  "I'll be at the punch table if you need me," Adeide says before leaving.

  Someone appears behind Magnolia and covers her eyes.

  "Is this Avery?" Magnolia asks smiling.

  Avery remains quiet and smiles.

  "Ding, ding, ding we have a winner," Avery says excitedly removing his hands.

  She turns around and hugs him while Titus watches jealously.

  "You look radiant," Avery says looking her over.

  "Thank you and you look debonair yourself," Magnolia says eagerly.

  When the Cohens enter the ballroom, the room falls silent. Everyone looks at them with disgust.

  Billy is wearing a dark gray suit with a bck tie and bck shoes. His hair gelled back. Bnche is wearing a bck dress with red trim. Her hair is styled in a pinup style with a rge curled bang on her forehead. Her face is made up of bck eye shadow, eyeliner, and ruby-red lipstick.

  Huey is wearing a beige suit with a bck tie and bck shoes. His hair is styled in a wavy comb-over.

  "Carry on everyone. There's nothing to worry about." Vera says and the music resumes.

  Magnolia makes her way over to them and shakes Billy's hand. Billy quickly slips his hand from Magnolia's.

  "Good evening I'm Magnolia Lexington," Magnolia says looking at Billy.

  "I know who you are. Your father was a pnter, tycoon, and politician." Billy says bitterly.

  Bnche nudges him in his right arm.

  "Please forgive my husband Billy he's the abolitionist type. I'm Bnche Cohen and we're your new neighbors." Bnche says perkily extending her hand which Magnolia shakes.

  "It's a pleasure to meet you, Bnche," Magnolia says gleefully.

  When their hands separate Magnolia looks at Huey who is standing next to his mother.

  "Who is this strapping young man?"

  "This is our son, Huey," Bnche says proudly introducing her son.

  "Good evening Huey" Magnolia says extending her hand.

  Huey looks at her hand momentarily before scowling at her.

  "Just give him some time and he'll warm up to you," Bnche says sweetly gring at Huey.

  "It was lovely meeting you all," Magnolia says and Bnche smiles.

  "Likewise," Bnche says and Magnolia walks away.

  "Huey that was rude." Bnche scolds.

  He then meets her fiery gaze.

  "Dad has a point. Her father was a pnter, and tycoon but above all a racist politician. His actions are unforgivable. She can't right his wrongs with hospitality." Huey expins.

  "Her father's transgressions have no bearing on her," Bnche says before they venture deeper into the room.

  At the punch table, Francine approaches Adeide.

  "If you've id your vile hands on my husband, there will be hell to pay," Francine says icily.

  Adeide smiles and inches close to her.

  "If you don't get out of my face, you're going to find out what I did to him," Adeide says suavely before backing away.

  "You think you're powerful, don't you?" Francine asks folding her arms.

  "No, I don't but it's obvious you do. Now I'm going to be as cordial as possible since we're in public. But I'm a few seconds away from dragging you if you don't leave me alone." Adeide threatens and Francine ughs.

  "So much for being a dy," Francine says with venom.

  "Just remember that when you're on your knees trying not to choke on the embers,"

  "You and that bitch better watch your step," Francine says coolly before walking away.

  Huey is standing against a wall observing everyone. He soon spots Ivy. When their eyes meet Ivy walks toward him. As she draws nearer something hits Huey's brain.

  'I don't want to talk to you.' Huey thinks as Ivy draws closer.

  Once she's a few inches away he looks her over coldly.

  "Good evening I'm Ivy Lexington," Ivy says in her South Carolinian accent extending her hand.

  Huey keeps his arms folded. His expression remains cold.

  "What the hell do you want?" Huey asks sharply.

  Ivy exhales heavily.

  "I'm just trying to make up for our first encounter. I don't think it was executed properly."

  "I'm going to continue to walk in this attitude until things improve for my people," Huey says harshly before removing himself from the wall.

  "All Caucasian people aren't bad," Ivy says trying to reason with the honey-skinned teen.

  "Bullshit! Your people have beaten, raped, and killed my ancestors. Then you decide to walk over here and tell me not all whites are the same?! Save that for the Miss Na?ve Pageant. I'm going to leave this conversation and you right where you stand!" Huey says angrily before walking away from Ivy.

  He turns and gnces back at her.

  "Don't you ever speak to me again," Huey says furiously leaving

  Ivy to her thoughts.

  As the party rages on the directors make their way to the podium. After clearing his throat he taps the microphone getting everyone's attention.

  "Welcome to Vera Chang's Annual Bourgeois Party. I'm one of the former board directors of Antebellum Paradise and Lexington Psychiatric Hospital. I'm here this evening to announce the new CEO of both companies. Without further ado put your hands together for the founder, owner, and new CEO of Magnolia Lexington!"

  Everyone cheers and appuds.

  Magnolia walks onstage and takes her pce behind the podium. Titus is wearing a look of betrayal, hurt, and anger. Adeide is wearing a smile of happiness and pride. Magnolia looks at Titus smiling smugly.