My Secret Life Behind My Mother-in-law’s Back

I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket just as Rebecca was passing the roasted duck around the table.

The timing couldn't have been worse. We were fifteen minutes into what my mother-in-law called her 'monthly family dinner'—an elaborate ritual of passive-aggressive comments thinly veiled as concern for Charlotte's wellbeing.

The screen illuminated with Marcus's name. My stomach tightened. He wouldn't call during dinner unless it was about the funding round.

"Excuse me," I said, pushing my chair back from the polished mahogany table. "I need to take this."

Rebecca's perfectly plucked eyebrows arched with disapproval. "During dinner, Gabriel? Really?"

Charlotte squeezed my hand under the table, her touch both supportive and cautioning. I gave her a reassuring smile.

"It might be about a commission. Won't be long."

I stepped onto the back patio, closing the French doors behind me. The cool Seattle evening air was a relief after the stifling atmosphere inside.

"Marcus, tell me it's good news," I said, keeping my voice low.

"Better than good." Marcus's excitement crackled through the phone. "Blackstone just confirmed. They're in for the full amount—seventy million. The term sheet will be ready tomorrow."

My legs nearly gave out. I leaned against the stone balustrade, looking out at Rebecca's immaculate garden.

"That puts our valuation at..."

"Three hundred and forty million, pre-money," Marcus finished. "We did it, Gabriel. TechNova is officially a unicorn in waiting."

I closed my eyes, letting the magnitude wash over me. Three years of working nights and weekends while pretending to be nothing more than a struggling artist. Three years of enduring Rebecca's thinly veiled contempt.

"There's one more thing," Marcus continued. "They want to close next week. We need to meet with the lawyers tomorrow to finalize everything."

My stomach dropped. "Tomorrow? The gallery showing is tomorrow."

"I know, but this can't wait. It's all hands on deck."

I glanced back through the glass doors. Rebecca was watching me, her disapproval evident even from a distance.

"I'll be there," I promised. "Text me the details."

When I returned to the table, the atmosphere had chilled several degrees.

"Everything alright with your... art?" Rebecca asked, emphasizing the word as if it were a disease.

"Actually, there's been a change of plans for tomorrow," I said, sliding back into my seat. "I need to handle some business matters, so I won't be able to attend the gallery showing."

The crystal glass in Rebecca's hand froze halfway to her lips. "Business matters? You mean your little hobby is more important than the connections Charlotte could make at the Whitman Gallery? Eleanor specifically arranged for the curator to meet you."

I felt Charlotte tense beside me. "Mom, I'm sure Gabriel has a good reason—"

"What reason could possibly justify missing an opportunity that could actually lead to real income?" Rebecca cut in, setting her glass down with deliberate precision. "Do you think money grows on trees, Gabriel? Or perhaps you're content letting my daughter support your artistic... indulgences?"

Each word was a