Masks and Truths

"Vivienne! Beatrice!"

A familiar voice cut through the polite chatter around them.

Everyone turned. A woman in an elegant lavender gown approached with careful steps—Miriam Winslow, newly arrived. Her face still showed traces of trauma from the kidnapping, but she'd covered it well with expert makeup. Her smile was practiced, though her eyes betrayed her nervousness.

Vivienne's expression remai