Right on cue, Clyde dipped his head and murmured against my ear.
"Victoria's bracelet shifted. Go fix it for her."
I froze. "What?"
"Go fix her bracelet."
His voice was low enough that only I could hear, but the smile on his face was tender enough to look like a whispered endearment.
"Victoria's assistant didn't make it inside. She can't adjust it herself. Go. Make it look natural."
When I didn't move, his voice came again from above me, threaded with warning.
"Think about your brother. Think about your family. You'd better cooperate."
I took a breath and was about to step forward.
But Victoria was already walking toward me, champagne in hand.
"Deidre! I heard you and Clyde got engaged. Congratulations!"
Every camera in the room locked on us at once.
I had no choice.
I put on a perfect fake smile, walked over, and reached for Victoria's bracelet.
But the moment I leaned in, her hand tipped—and a full flute of champagne landed squarely on my dress.
Victoria clapped a hand over her mouth, tears flooding her eyes instantly.
"I'm so sorry, Deidre! My hand slipped. I didn't mean to!"
She was crying prettily, trembling all over, the picture of someone deeply wronged.