If Lara wanted to play, she'd learn her place.
Layla clapped her hands lightly.
"Oh! Lara, since you're Shay's governess, maybe you can help?"
Her tone brightened artificially.
"There are extra drinks that need to be brought to the officers' table. The staff's short tonight."
A lie.
There were plenty of servers.
"But since you're used to taking care of people, it should be natural for you, right?"
If Lara obeyed, she looked like a staff. If she refused, she looked arrogant.
Several guests went quiet.
Lucas' eyes darkened. He saw it instantly. So did Logan.
Layla smiled sweetly.
"So," she tilted her head, "could you?"
...
Meanwhile, Summer spotted Liam across the lawn.
She didn't approach immediately.
She paused near the bar, pretending to check her phone, watching instead.
It was an old habit. Observe first, then enter.
