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?"

you, but you didn't respond. We thought

forced a smile, wishing the ground would swallow

you call me? I'm so sorry, I didn't

gaze landed on Maisie and Farley. "They look familiar. Have we seen them somewhere before?" The moment Beverley

chimed in, "Last time, I was here too. I got a bit loud

her

into

casting

surprise, suspicion, and

Made up?" one

"Of course! All sorted out! You know the saying,

unaware Beverley

a trap! Answering would imply

guess it involved Murray. It would confirm rumors of

their

speculations, which could have died down if ignored. But Maisie, bless her, had to jump out and confess without

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

family reunion then. Let's leave them to

juicy