“I think you misunderstood me earlier, Marlene,” I said. My voice was eerily calm, a quiet, steady tone that cut effortlessly through Vanessa’s loud wails and the chaotic noise of the evacuating guests.
Marlene blinked, tears streaming down her face. “What?”
“I told you I was exhausted,” I said softly, looking into her panicked eyes. “I wasn’t pretending to be weak. I was just conserving my energy.”
I reached down and picked up my small, modest purse from the table. I slung the strap over my shoulder.
“And since I am clearly too lazy and weak to be of any help to you,” I continued, a cold, sharp smile finally touching my lips, “I suggest you grab a tray from the kitchen and start carrying those expensive floral centerpieces out to your car yourself. You’re going to need to pawn them to pay for your criminal defense attorney.”
I didn’t wait for a response. I didn’t need to hear her excuses or her begging.
I turned my back on them and walked away. My sensible, comfortable flats made absolutely no sound on the polished marble floor. I walked through the grand double doors, leaving the ivory and gold ballroom behind me, the sound of Vanessa screaming at the hotel manager fading into the distance.
I stepped out into the cool, quiet night air. I pulled my phone from my purse, took a deep breath of freedom, and dialed the 24-hour emergency fraud department of my bank.
