a De Lu

The answer was already on my

n face, holding it for just a moment

e family's protocols must be respected. To prevent any further oversights, I suggest that until a full, formal audit can be compl

irectly at Aria's heart. I hadn't used her name, but

h slightly agape, shock and

suggestion was rooted in fiscal responsibility and family

right through my pretense of propriety. He k

called to the family's financial officer, who stoo

stepped out of the room, al

air, all the color dr

on Fifth Avenue, t

tique, surrounded by a coterie of fawning "friends." She was

ith a six-figure price tag, and slid a black Amex

erk said after the first swipe. "Th

d with impatience.

A single, damning word flashed in r

ed. The other women in Aria's group s

hat's impossible! Use this one!" She shoved

lin

A Mastercar

sper, their eyes gleamin

pitying mask. "Ms. Diaz, are you

second skin had just been publicly stripped from her. She finally und

know who I am?" she shrieked, her voice cr

ack. "I'm very sorry, miss. B

uture. She threw the handbag back on the counter and f

fumbled for her phone. She stabbed at the screen, her wails

ina! She canceled all my card