44. Trouble comes in pairs

Esme.

“Who is it?” I called out. My fists were clenched to give me as much control as I needed.

If I didn’t clear this up, this would turn into some nasty gossip. After Silvan’s announcement, that would be embarrassing.

Was this what Diane planned?

The entire time here, I had done my best to keep quiet and even subconsciously watched Sophie. Other than socializing, she hadn’t acted out of line.

Guess I was watching the wrong person.

Two identical girls walked out from the crowd and stopped in front of me.

“Lady Esme, you showed interest in our twin bracelet when we came to greet you,” one of them started with a sharp glint in her eyes.

I squinted my eyes at her. That wasn’t how it had happened.

They had mentioned it first and I had admired the bracelet out of courtesy since they seemed to hold it in high esteem.

However, denying that would seem fishy so I nodded, “yes; the twin jade was pretty and I complimented them.”

“But…”

One of them interrupted rudely, “after leaving you,