d of expensive leat

hem. They knew Francesca.

in the fi

lver sequined gown. It co

rling. "Francesca, isn't it per

ctly," Francesca s

the sales associate. "An

. She started piling

rancesca, waiti

d her arms. She

ing at me?" Franc

re went

roze.

ancesca said. "Like you said at

, stop joking. You know my trust fun

ing budget," Francesca said. Her voice car

e vanished. She looked at

card," Lila stammered. "I

ed out h

d it to t

a had logged into her banking app five minutes

inserted

e

e clerk said,

sly. "That's a mist

e

ew cooler. "Ma'am, it says there's a security hold on the account.

n!" Lila shriek

king. A woman in pearls

Francesca. "D

hands. "I haven't touc

s," Lila hissed. "I'm al

esca said. "I'm

g around the counter. "I need y

she was going t

o the bout

ric motor cut thr

aulkner r

bodyguards

a throne. His suit was be

n the center

ila, red-faced

Francesca,

e was deep, commanding the room. "Is s

eyes

toward him. "Thank God. These