I leaned against the balcony railing, breathing in the cool night air. The party continued inside, but I needed a moment to process what had just happened. My secret identity as Dr. Emma Bella was out—not how I'd planned, but perhaps it was time. At least it had shut Owen Ricardo up.
"Mrs. Ricardo?"
I turned to find Mr. and Mrs. Beaumont approaching, their expressions warm but guarded. I'd thought they'd left after the confrontation with Ivy earlier.
"I thought you both had gone home," I said, managing a tired smile.
Mrs. Eleanor Beaumont shook her head. "We were about to, but then we saw that woman—your mother—causing a scene. We couldn't leave without making sure you were alright."
The concern in her eyes seemed genuine, almost parental. It struck me as odd, considering we'd only just met.
"I'm fine," I assured her. "Nothing I haven't dealt with before."
Mr. Beaumont exchanged a look with his wife. "No child should have to 'deal with' such treatment from their parent."
