Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

Two days later, just as Beverley was beginning to think she was off the hook, Maisie's call came through, and it wasn't about borrowing money. "...What did you just say?!"

Maisie's voice was as casual as if she were discussing the weather. "Why don't you take me and my boy for that fancy afternoon tea at the hotel you went to with those high-society ladies last time? Is there a problem?" Beverley struggled to resist the temptation to throw her phone across the room. Clenching her teeth, she articulated each word with barely contained fury. "That hotel is members-only!"

"And your point is?"

"If you're not a member, you can't get in!"

"So, make me a member, easy peasy."

Beverley felt her teeth grinding against each other.

Make her a member? As if it were that simple!

You had to rack up spending of over two million just to qualify for a lifetime membership. And Maisie thought she was entitled to that?

"I don't care, I want to go there for tea today. You figure it out!"

In the end, Beverley used her own membership to sneak the duo in.

Just their luck, they bumped into a group of Beverley's acquaintances, the very same society ladies.

"Mrs. Sherwood? Is that you?"

but you didn't respond. We thought we had mistaken someone else

wishing the ground would swallow her

call me? I'm

might these two be?" someone's gaze landed on Maisie and Farley. "They look familiar. Have we seen them somewhere before?" The moment Beverley

was here too. I got a bit loud with Mrs. Sherwood, you must have been around,

moment her

clicked into

ladies, casting glances

with surprise, suspicion,

two... settled your differences? Made up?" one of the ladies

Beverley could say anything, Maisie cut in, "Of course! All sorted

cleverly, even throwing in a proverb, unaware Beverley wanted nothing more

was a trap! Answering would imply there

it involved Murray. It would confirm rumors

their circle had

Maisie, bless her, had to jump out and confess

that's the story-" The lady, already not Beverley's biggest fan, smiled

we won't disturb your little family reunion then. Let's leave them

the juicy