“I truly think it’s wonderful,” she said for what had to be the fifth time that evening, her voice warm and syrupy. “That wecan put the past behind us and get along. For Callahan’s sake, of course.”
Of course.
I took a sip of my wine, studying her over the rim of the glass. If she expected me to suddenly become docile and grateful, she had clearly mistaken me for someone else.
“Oh, absolutely,” I said sweetly. “Nothing brings people together like mutual hostility.”
Her smile didn’t falter.
Impressive.
“Yes,” she said lightly, as though I had said something charming instead of insulting. “Families sometimes get off to a rocky start.”
Because accusing someone of being a gold digger in front of an entire dining table was apparently just a minor misunderstanding.
I leaned my elbow on the table and tilted my head at her.
“You know,” I said conversationally, “I still think it’s unfair.”
She blinked slightly. “Unfair?”
“Yes.” I sighed dramatically. “You called me a gold digger when I have so many other disturbing qualities you could have chosen from.”
For the first time that evening, her smile twitched. It was barely noticeable, but I saw it.
“Oh?” she asked carefully.
“Oh yes,” I continued thoughtfully. “Selfish. Manipulative. Questionable moral compass. A mild enjoyment of chaos.”
Across the table, Theo choked on his drink.
Mrs. Sterling glanced at him briefly before turning back to me.
“Well,” she said slowly, “I suppose it’s good for a woman to be selfish once in a while.”
I cringed. I couldn’t help it. The reaction slipped out before I could stop myself. It didn't help that she noticed immediately. We simply stared at each other.
She gave a small, nervous laugh. The sound was strained enough that I felt bad for her.
“Oh dear,” she murmured, pressing a hand lightly to her chest. “I think I need to freshen up.”
Without waiting for a response, she stood. “I’ll just go to the restroom.”
“Don't hurry back,” I said pleasantly.
She nodded quickly and hurried away, her heels clicking across the floor with surprising speed.
The second she disappeared around the corner—
Emily, Theo, and Callahan descended on me like vultures.
“What was that?” Emily whispered urgently.
Theo leaned forward across the table. “Are we witnessing psychological warfare?”
Callahan slid into the chair beside me, looking both amused and impressed. “I was wondering how long you were going to last.”
“First of all,” I set my glass down, “I lasted the entire dinner.”
