The Quiet Assistant's Roar

ndescending rema

ir casual cruelty,

hom: her world, her real world, was so far above

aled. That knowledge was a quiet, s

tion wa

ir table, presenting a

isite orchid, its petals a

waiter announced. "The Black Orchid, rarest in

! It' s for the centerpiece at our engagement party

triumphant

her art history minor and k

true Black Orchid in botan

A beautiful hybrid, certainly, but not the true Paphiopedilum rothschildianum, the Bl

le fell

le twitched. "Well, I hardly t

," Ava said smoothly, a subtle hint at a knowledge base they co

the florist assured us it was the real deal.

convincing fake, like some people

uncomfortable,

she ordered. It's a beautiful

You have a good eye for detail, but so

ertise, aligning himself with the

uickly extinguished by cold resignati

a silent acknowledg

ing the orchid. "It will be perfect.

ng several thousand doll

ught. The Parkers, so obsessed with stat

rger," would share in that subtle embarrassment when the

ent to the l

follow

trapping them in the op

ed, her voice dropping the polite

le working-class distraction h

s shoulder. "That dress, is

e but elegant attire, a stark c

e's venomous

for five years, Chloe. If anyone

void of the anger Chloe

me all about your sad little life. Living in that tiny walk-up, putti

to humiliate. And Ethan had s

betrayal, deeper

beration. The last tie, the la

almost pitying smile on her lips. "He

rned t

in her purse. It wa

er has acquired a new Picasso – he says it' s a welcome home gift, but I think he just wanted an excuse to buy

ht, full of the casual ex

entire wing.

hloe's petty taunts

for Dad," Ava said, a genuine laugh escaping

g when she pushed op

ight outside, his ex

ded, his eyes narrowed. "What was t

overheard the e

tension. Her cover was dang