Victoria hadn’t run away in embarrassment as he had expected. She remained there, with that strangely confident posture that was beginning to bother him in an inexplicable way. Everyone, Richard announced loudly, tapping a silver spoon against his crystal glass to get the attention of all the guests.
I’d like to introduce our special guest tonight, Victoria Thames, our dedicated, cleaning lady. Laughter echoed through the hall like cruel waves. Cell phone flashes began to flash as socialites took photos to post on their social media accounts with sarcastic captions.
Richard, Helena murmured beside him, feigning concern, don’t you think you’re being a little cruel? Cruel. Richard laughed loudly. I’m giving her the opportunity of a lifetime.
When else would someone like her ever get the chance to attend an event like this? Victoria stood motionless in the center of the room, all eyes fixed on her. But instead of the embarrassment they expected to see, there was something disconcerting about her expression, a serenity that seemed to come from someone who had weathered far worse storms. Patricia Weston approached with her group of friends, all wearing poisonous smiles.
Victoria dear, tell me, how long did it take you to choose that dress? It must have been so challenging to find something suitable. Actually, Victoria replied with a calmness that made Patricia hesitate, this dress has a very special history. It belonged to my mother.
Her mother. Vivian Chambers laughed nasally. And where did her mother get a dress like that? At some fancy thrift store.
Victoria smiled, but there was something dangerous in that smile. My mother wore this dress the last time she was in a ballroom like this. That was 20 years ago, when she was still Victoria Thames Blackwood.
The silence that followed was deafening. Some people stopped talking, realizing that something important was being said. Richard, who had been laughing with his close friends, turned slowly.
What did you say? Thames Blackwood, Victoria repeated, her voice cutting through the air like a sharp blade. It’s funny how some people choose to conveniently forget their own family history. Richard’s face began to pale.
Helena instinctively grabbed her husband’s arm, sensing that something was terribly wrong. You’re delirious, Richard said, but his voice came out less firm than he intended. I don’t know what game you’re playing, but… This isn’t a game, Richard, Victoria took a step toward him, and several guests instinctively backed away.
It’s history. Our history. The history you tried to erase when you decided it was more convenient to pretend that certain people in our family never existed.
The cell phone cameras continued to record, but now for a completely different reason. Whispers began to spread through the room like wildfire. Helena pulled Richard by the arm.
What is she talking about? She’s lying, Richard replied, but his hands were shaking slightly. She’s a deranged employee trying to get attention. Victoria reached into her small purse and pulled out an object that made several guests gasp.
It was a ring, not just any ring, but the traditional Blackwood family engagement ring, engraved with a family crest and featuring the distinctive blue sapphire that had been passed down for generations. This ring, Victoria said, holding it up for all to see, was given to my mother by her father, Henry Blackwood. My grandfather.
The man you told your children died without an heir. Richard was now visibly shaken. Where did you get this? How dare you steal? Steal.
Victoria laughed, but there was no humor in the sound. Richard, you can’t steal something that is rightfully yours by birthright. Patricia Weston, who had been watching open-mouthed, whispered to her friend, My God, do you think she’s telling the truth? Impossible, Vivian murmured, but her voice no longer sounded so confident.
Richard would have told us if he had a… cousin. Victoria heard the whisper and turned to them. Cousin? No dear.
I’m not Richard’s cousin. She paused dramatically, looking directly at Richard. I’m his half-sister.
The room exploded in murmurs and muffled exclamations. Richard looked as if he had been struck by lightning. This is ridiculous! he shouted, but his voice cracked.
My father would never… You’re making this up. Henry Blackwood had an affair with my mother, Isabella Thames, for five years, Victoria continued relentlessly. She was the family’s piano teacher.
When she found out she was pregnant with me, your father promised to take care of us. And he kept his promise, until he died. Helena now had one hand over her mouth, staring between Victoria and Richard as if watching a car crash in slow motion.
You, Victoria said, pointing directly at Richard, decided it would be easier to pretend we never existed. You cut off our allowance, sold the house your father bought for my mother, and left us in absolute poverty. I had no obligation to… Richard began, but Victoria interrupted him.
You had no obligation to take care of your father’s family? Interesting philosophy, considering you inherited 100% of a fortune that should have been divided between us. The weight of Victoria’s words was slowly sinking into the minds of the guests. Several began to move away from Richard, as if physical proximity could contaminate them with a scandal.
Prove it, Richard said desperately. Anyone can make up a story and come up with a ring. Victoria smiled again, and this time there was something predatory in her expression.
Oh, Richard. Do you really think I came here without proof? She took her phone and motioned to someone near the entrance. They can come in now.