I was floating on Cloud 9 the next morning when I walked to my office to go through my mail. I’d neglected it for over a week and I needed to pretend at least that I cared about it.

Sinking into my leather chair, I plucked through credit card offers and bills until I landed on an envelope with a gold seal on the back.

I opened it and pulled out a black invitation with gold writing. The invitation was to a masquerade ball hosted by the local Donovan Foundation, which was owned ...