“Mandy! Did your husband turn to Anya because of your nude portrait scandal?”
“Sir, you’re at your mother-in-law’s funeral while rumors swirl about you and another woman. Aren’t you worried about what people will say?”
Their sharp questions hit all at once. My eyes widened as I turned to Erving.
His face went stone pale, and he raised his hand, demanding, “Guards! Get them out! Who let them in?” he barked.
In the chaos, Anya ran in, her eyes red. She grabbed my wrist.
“Mandy, please don’t blame Erving. I was drugged. He was just trying to make sure I wasn’t harmed…”
“It’s none of your business!” Erving stepped forward, putting her behind him. His voice shook with urgency. “Mandy, she was a victim, too. Don’t put this on her…”
A victim?
I stared at him shielding her, at the guilt in his eyes. A bitter laugh escaped me.
Even though I had expected this, the pain still stole my breath.
“When I was in the hospital, barely able to move without screaming in pain… when my mother hadn’t even been buried… you were in a hotel room with her? Erving, is that what you mean by returning the favor to that woman?”