Chapter 13 - The Perfect Pour
I looked at her, my expression perfectly neutral. I didn't feel anger toward Chloe anymore. She was just a shallow, unfortunate casualty in Thomas’s war, a woman who had bet her entire future on a fraudulent man. But I couldn't let the moment pass.
“It is a beautiful gala, Chloe,” I agreed, my voice smooth and loud enough for the surrounding socialites to hear. “I’m surprised you decided to attend, given the unfortunate events of your last visit.”
Chloe flushed a deep, humiliating shade of red. “I... I want to formally apologize for that night, Elena. I was misled by Julian. I had no idea who you were.”
“That’s the problem, Chloe,” I said softly, taking a step closer. “It shouldn't matter who I was. You threw wine on a woman you thought was a nobody, simply because you believed you held the power in the room. You showed this entire lodge your true colors before you even knew my name.”
The surrounding guests were dead silent, watching the exchange with rapt attention.
I picked up a full glass of expensive Pinot Noir from a passing waiter’s tray. Chloe flinched, instinctively taking a step back, her eyes widening in terror. She thought I was going to throw it in her face. She thought I was going to exact a petty, public revenge.
I looked at the dark red liquid, swirling it gently in the crystal goblet.
Then, I smiled.
May you like
I didn't throw it. I simply raised the glass to her in a mock toast, took a slow, elegant sip, and placed it down on the mahogany bar.
“But the Sterling Lodge has a reputation to uphold,” I said, echoing the exact words she had sneered at me a month ago. “And we do not spill wine on our guests. Enjoy your evening.”
