Patricia had sensed something off about the middle-aged woman from the moment she looked at her, and now everything was starting to make sense. God knows what kind of terrible things Michelle must have said about her to earn that kind of reaction.
"Oh, that must be inconvenient for you," the woman said with a stiff smile, then turned fully to Patricia.
"Fortunately, your fiancé brought an extra hand. I am sure you know her." She gestured toward Patricia as she spoke, her smile fading once again. The tone she used was clipped, dismissive, barely acknowledging Patricia's presence. But what they didn't know was that Patricia had no interest in being acknowledged. They could all keep their forced civility.
Michelle turned, completely unfazed, confirming Patricia's suspicion, she already knew Patricia was here. That little performance earlier had been for show. She intentionally came over to make that report just to get a reaction out of her aunt. Applaudis!
