Page 117 of Always Red (Chasing Red 2)

I cleared my throat. “Yes, I am. Good evening, ma’am. I’m Veronica.”

“I remember.”

Her tone was courteous, but I sensed that it was loaded with meaning. Was she thinking about that first time we met in jail?

With growing horror, I wondered if she remembered that time when I was sitting outside her son’s flat, waiting for him like a stalker.

Suddenly, I remembered the gift I had carefully wrapped in a pretty box. I pulled it out of the paper bag and held it out to her. “Th-this is for you. You have a very beautiful home.”

Mrs. Lockhart hesitated just slightly before she accepted the gift. “Thank you.”

“Thank you for inviting me.”

“Of course. It would be in bad taste if I didn’t invite my son’s fiancée, wouldn’t it?”

My stomach dropped.

Her eyes bored into me as she continued without pause. “Interesting choice of dress.”

What should I say? Thank you? It didn’t sound like a compliment the way she said it. It sounded like a challenge.

She could probably tell it wasn’t designer and was trying to be polite. Or maybe…I narrowed my eyes as I saw Beatrice-Rose coming down from the steps. She had changed into a white gown.

“Beatrice-Rose mentioned you were at the store yesterday when she was trying on the same dress you’re wearing now.” I drew in a sharp breath, and Mrs. Lockhart continued. “That dress must have made quite an impression on you if you’d risk wearing the same dress she’s wearing at my son’s party.”

I blinked slowly, taking a deep breath. Then a second one.

Fuck it.

“I know you don’t know me, ma’am, and we didn’t meet under the best of circumstances, but I can tell you I love your son very much. I would not humiliate him or myself with something as petty as deliberately wearing the same dress as Beatrice-Rose. Or anyone, for that matter.”

She must not have expected that I would defend myself because her eyes widened in surprise.

“Beatrice-Rose has it backward,” I continued. Adrenaline drove me now. “I was trying on this dress yesterday when she came into the shop. It looks like she changed now.”

Mrs. Lockhart looked me directly in the eye for a few seconds before she responded. “Yes. She asked me if she could borrow one of my dresses.”

“Well, it’s a good thing she didn’t pick the same dress that you’re wearing then.”

Oh God. Did I just really say that?

“President Miranda.”

I tried to gather my composure as Mrs. Lockhart’s secretary approached and whispered something in her ear.

“Will you excuse me for a moment, Veronica?” Mrs. Lockhart asked.

I nodded. I couldn’t be sure, but I thought I saw a gleam of respect in her eyes before she walked away. My knees felt weak as I watched her.

God. I needed a drink.

“Hello, Veronica.”

I shut my eyes tightly for a second before turning.

Why the hell didn’t I go with Caleb when he offered?

Because I wanted to prove to him that I could handle his world. I wanted to make him proud. I wanted to make myself proud.

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