Mallory’s circle instantly makes way for her, surrounding her, praising her look and exchanging pleasantries.But from the corner of my eye, I catch Oscar’s tiny grimace, the faintest twitch of irritation.He’s terrible at hiding his feelings, especially when something doesn’t fit his design.Still, something forces them all to play nice with her, and I already know what it is.
“You know, the main event’s about to start.I hope you all make your way to the ballroom soon.”Amy spreads her arms with that hostess smile and starts leading the crowd away.
“Come on, baby,” Alan says softly, gesturing for me to follow, but Amy stops me.Her hand hooks around my arm.
“You all go ahead.I just want a quick word with my future sister-in-law.”Her eyes narrow slightly at me.
“I have nothing to talk about with you,” I say, slipping my arm free, my lips curling into a sweet, practiced smile.
“Ladies, please.If you can’t play nice, I swear I will—”
“Fuck off!”Amy snaps at him before he can finish.
Everyone freezes and stares at her.The mask slips for a second, and pure irritation flashes across her face.Maybe realizing she scared everyone, Amy clears her throat and forces a sweet smile back into place.
“Believe me, I just want a little chat with her.No interruptions,” she says, blinking innocently.
“Five minutes,” Alan warns, raising his hand.“If she’s not back in five, I’m coming to get her.”
“Can’t we girls have privacy anymore?”Amy rolls her eyes and gestures for me to follow.I glance at Alan and nod.
“Don’t worry.I’ll be back in a minute,” I tell him.
30
Bullying is a Sin
Fenella
Amy leads me to a polished wooden door and pushes it open.The room is small, with a simple bed and a table, maybe a guest room.I grip my shoulder bag tighter, trying to calm the sudden thrum of nerves in my chest.Stay calm.Don’t give her the satisfaction.
“Alright, tell me the truth now, Fenella.Did you get engaged to Alan just to get back at me?”Amy crosses her arms, chin high, lips pressed into a thin line.
“No,” I reply, my voice firm, though my fingers twitch slightly at my side.Keep it steady.Don’t flinch.
Her brow arches.“Then did you chase him knowing it would make me miserable, pretending to be my sister-in-law?”
“No.”I press my lips together for a fraction longer than necessary, hands clasped in front of my chest, mirroring her stance.She thinks she’s cornered me.Let her think she has the upper hand.
A short, humorless laugh rattles from her throat, sharp and high.“Don’t play innocent.You don’t love him.He’s pathetic.No one would want him if it weren’t for his money.”The corner of her mouth curls into that familiar smirk.
“Oh, Amy.I really feel sorry for you.Now I know where Alan learned that kind of delusion.”I frown, trying to hold my gaze steady, shoulders tightening.What a mess.I can’t believe she’s still this toxic.
“We’re gonna record this, Fenella,” the FBI commander murmurs through my ear cuff.
Amy tilts her head, eyes sharp.“Say whatever you want.You’re still that same naive girl from high school.Love?That won’t save you.”Her smirk stretches a little wider, predatory.
“Not with me.I didn’t fall for his money.I fell for his heart, for the sincerity he’s shown me all these years.”My jaw flexes with restrained irritation.If only I hadn’t fallen harder for Laird.Any woman would melt with the dedication Alan gives.
Her mouth twists.“Bullshit.Don’t lie.You went after him like every other woman would.Rich, hot body, handsome face.That ring,” she points at my finger, “is your price tag.”
“You’re wrong again.The body fades, the face wrinkles, and the money never lasts.This ring?”My hand rises steadily despite the tension curling in my chest.“It’s a symbol, nothing more.But what he’s built, he built with his own hands.At least he didn’t sell his soul like you.”
Amy laughs, sharp and high, her voice bouncing off the walls, then dissolves into a sharp exhale.She wipes at the corner of her eye, then slaps her palm against her hip with a sneer.Her eyes glitter with a venomous light, and there’s a flash of anger, quick and hot, but my hands stay folded.
“Oh, Devil.I don’t know how to pity you anymore, Fenella.You try to praise Alan and insult me.What a fool.”
She leans closer, rose perfume thick and suffocating.“You think all his success is from hard work?Wrong.”Her smile twists viciously.“Everything Alan has is mine.None of it exists if I hadn’t married Peter.”
