SHE HUMILIATED THE WRONG MAID AT HER ENGAGEMENT PARTY—THEN THE MAN SHE WAS MARRYING LEARNED WHO THAT WOMAN REALLY WAS
“Were you the one who handled the allergy notes?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Mrs. Mercer touched Maya’s wrist warmly.
“My granddaughter has a shellfish allergy. You personally made certain they prepared a separate plate for her.”
“We keep the allergy list with the kitchen.”
“Well, thank you. People say ‘don’t worry’ and then forget. You didn’t.”
“You’re welcome.”
Vanessa happened to walk past during the exchange.
Her smile remained intact.
Only her eyes changed.
Twenty minutes later, she summoned Maya to a group near the bar.
Daniel was talking to three college friends when Vanessa lifted her champagne glass.
“Maya?”
“Yes?”
“What is this?”
Maya looked at the flute.
“A champagne glass.”
One of Daniel’s friends coughed to hide a laugh.
Vanessa did not.
“There’s a fingerprint.”
Maya examined it.
There was a faint mark near the base.
“I’ll replace it.”
“Is this something I’m supposed to check personally?”
“No.”
“Because I’ve been planning this night for six months.”
“I understand.”
“Then understand that details matter.”
Daniel shifted.
“Vanessa.”
“What?”
“It’s a fingerprint.”
She looked at him.
“That’s exactly the attitude that makes things go wrong.”
Maya took the glass.
