“I did not add her to the guest list,” my mother said firmly. “I may have made mistakes recently, but I’m not that stupid.”
Dad’s expression didn’t soften. “Then explain how she ended up here.”
My mother exhaled sharply, clearly frustrated.
“I just asked around,” she said, "she entered as a plus one. I wouldn’t risk doing something like that right now, not with you threatening to divorce me if I didn’t change.”
Emily nearly choked on her drink.
Theo coughed into his hand, trying and failing to hide his amusement.
Dad didn’t look embarrassed in the slightest.
“That threat stands,” he said evenly.
My mother rolled her eyes before turning toward Vani. Her tone shifted almost immediately.
“Evania,” she smiled.
Vani looked at her calmly. “Yes?”
“I owe you an apology.”
That caught my attention. My mother never apologized to anyone.
“I handled things poorly when we first met,” she continued. “I made assumptions, and I allowed my pride to get in the way. Tonight only made things worse, regardless of how Victoria ended up here.”
Vani watched her quietly, her expression unreadable.
“I’m sorry,” my mother finished. “I would also like the opportunity to apologize properly.”
“How?” Vani asked.
“Breakfast,” my mother said quickly. “You can bring someone if you want to.”
Emily leaned forward slightly, clearly interested in the answer.
I glanced at Vani, expecting her to politely decline. Instead, she tilted her head thoughtfully.
Then she smiled. “Alright.”
My brows lifted in surprise.
“You’ll come?” my mother asked.
“Yes,” Vani said. “I’ll come.”
My mother visibly relaxed. “Good. Thank you.”
At that moment, the master of ceremonies stepped onto the stage.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the MC announced into the microphone.
The room quieted almost immediately.
“Thank you all for joining us tonight. As many of you know, the highlight of the evening is our annual charity auction.”
Applause rippled through the ballroom.
