Only her baby mattered now.
I stood, still cradling Elly in my arms, and leveled my gaze at Archie. “Was Elly too rude to call you daddy?”
He hesitated. He actually hesitated. And then he gave his verdict.
“Yes,” he said, stiffly. “It was inappropriate… to go around calling anyone you like daddy, little girl.”
My blood turned to ice.
Betty slid her arm around his, victorious.
And that was it. The whispers returned, uglier now. No longer subtle.
“Shameless little brat. Just like her mother.”
“Hah. Told you Archie only had one kid, and it’s growing inside Betty.”
“Where’d this one come from anyway? Maybe she calls every man she sees daddy.”
“Let’s hope she grows out of it. Wouldn’t want her calling her boyfriend daddy next.”
I looked down at Elly. Her eyes were glassy, but her expression was calm.
Too calm.
I prayed she didn’t understand.
I gently set her down, kissed her forehead, and stepped forward. Walked straight up to the champagne tower.
And with one swift motion, I tipped it over.
Glass shattered like firecrackers. Bubbly wine sprayed across the polished floors. Gasps rippled like a wave.
I turned, smiling sweetly. “Such a beautiful day, isn’t it? I thought I’d make a toast for the birthday girl.”
Then I shrugged. “Oops. I slipped. Better luck next time.”
Silence fell like a bomb.
For the first time in years, I’d let them see a glimpse of the real me.
They had no idea who they were dealing with.
