a young man desperate to appease a spoiled bride to protect his social standing.
"Apologize?" Evelyn whispered, her voice barely carrying over the quiet rustle of the room.
"Yes!" Chloe shrieked from across the table, waving her hand dismissively. "Apologize for coming into my dressing room, trying to dictate our seating chart, and making a scene! You’re an embarrassed relic, Evelyn! Get out of my sight!"
Evelyn reached into her silver clutch bag, pulled out a small, silk handkerchief, and gently dabbed the corner of her cut cheek.
She didn't shed a single tear.
Chapter 2: The Call
"Very well," Evelyn said quietly.
She reached down, picked up her silver clutch from the table, and pulled out her smartphone.
Brandon took a step back, frowning as his mother tapped the screen with practiced, steady fingers. "Mom, what are you doing? Put the phone away."
Evelyn brought the phone to her ear, standing perfectly still in the middle of the silent ballroom. The entire room—guests, waiters, bridesmaids, and photographers—watched in breathless silence.