“Yes,” I added. “I need a new reservation. Same route, same date. One suite. Just for me.”
Ethan opened his mouth, then closed it.
“Of course,” my father said. “I’ll assign you the best suite available. Traveling alone?”
I glanced at Ethan. His expression had changed—still tense, but something else was there now. Recognition. Maybe even admiration.
“For now, yes.”
“Alright. I’ll send everything over. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
I ended the call.
The silence afterward was absolute. Even the faint ticking of a clock on the wall seemed too loud.
Margaret was the first to react.
“This is completely disrespectful,” she snapped, her face flushed. “Who do you think you are, canceling our vacation?”
“I did exactly what you did,” I replied calmly. “You told me I wasn’t welcome on your cruise. I made sure you’re not welcome on mine.”
Charles rubbed his face slowly, exhaustion evident.
“Margaret, this has gone too far,” he murmured.
Ethan finally spoke up, his voice firm.
“Mom, what you said was humiliating. To her. And to me.”
“I was trying to protect you!” she insisted.
“No,” I said quietly. “You were protecting your pride.”
I stood, picking up my bag.
“Claire, wait,” Ethan said. “Let’s talk.”