Ellinor flashed Patricia a smile and said. âMs. Howard, Iâve already stripped off the costume and left it backstage at the makeup station. Make sure someone scoops it up.
I reckon this finely made costume is bespoke, right? Iâd suggest you send someone to check it out now If itâs lost or damaged later, donât point fingers at mer Her words were light as a feather, but suddenly, the air got thick Patricia and Haillieâs faces stiffened. They didnât know how to respond just shot Ellinor a dirty look, then glanced nervously at old man Bagley Old man Bagley, previously friendly, now looked grim. He glanced at the innocent Patricia in her wheelchair, then at Ellinor, who had removed her stage makeup, his brow furrowed in deep thought.
Ellinor just grinned at old man Bagley. Seeing no response from Patricia, she continued âMs Howard, youâre not saying anything? Silence is golden, huh? If thereâs no problem, Iâll be on my way Later!â
After saying her piece, she respectfully bowed to old man Bagley and his wife. âMr. and Mrs. Bagley, it was an honor to attend your party. Iâll take my leave now Goodbyeâ
With that, she turned to leave Suddenly, Mrs Bagley came to, reaching out to stop Ellinor. âItâs Marlinie. Sheâs Marlinie. Donât go, Marlinieâ
Ellinor paused slightly at the name Marlinie but didnât stop walking or turn to look at Mrs. Bagley Mrs Bagleyâs outburst snapped Mr. Bagley back to reality. He steadied his wife, then called out to Ellinor. âMs. Mendoza, wait!â
Ellinor stopped, turned, and smiled. âMr. Bagley, you called?â
Mr Bagley asked her, âFrom what you said earlier, you just took off the costume?â
Ellinor nodded âYesâ
Mr. Bagleyâs brow furrowed. âSo, the one who was singing and performing on stage was actually you?â
Ellinor raised an eyebrow but didnât immediately reply. Instead, she glanced at Patricia in her wheelchair.
Patricia was pale, staring at Ellinor with a calm but threatening gaze.
She was warning Ellinor not to spill the beans But Ellinor was unfazed by Patriciaâs look and truthfully answered Mr. Bagley. âYes, it was me on stage.
Sorry for the trouble.â
Upon learning the truth, Mr. Bagleyâs face darkened. His fondness for Patricia instantly vanished, replaced by a deep revulsion. He was also livid at himself for so readily believing a lie.
Mr. Bagley shot a harsh glare at Patricia and Haillie, who had just been performing together. He grunted heavily, then coldly asked Patricia, âDidnât you just claim that the person performing on stage was you?â