"Several cross-border contracts are waiting for her signature. The board is in complete disarray."
"Ever heard of time zones?" Chester cut him off, irritation dripping from every syllable. "My mother's in Switzerland. It's the middle of the night there. Her phone being off is perfectly normal."
The assistant tried to continue.
Chester killed the call and tossed the phone onto the coffee table.
"Stop bothering me with this garbage."
He looked down at me, lip curled.
"Ella, you really have sunk to a new low. You'd actually make up a lie like this."
"Passing off your deadbeat gambling addict mother as mine?"
"You think you're worthy?"
Florence slipped her arm through his, her voice soft as silk.
"Chester, let it go. Ella just got confused, that's all. Let's not pay her any attention. Today's supposed to be a celebration."
She glanced at the housekeeper and gave a subtle nod.
Within minutes, an elaborate Western-style dinner spread appeared on the table. Expensive bottles of red wine were uncorked one after another. The two of them settled into the living room, laughing and chatting, clinking glasses.