“What are you talking about?” Tiffany demanded.
Margaret lifted the authorization form.
“This name is on my venue account.”
Daniel took one step forward.
“Let me explain.”
“No.”
The word came out quietly, but he stopped.
Tiffany’s anger faltered.
Margaret turned the paper so the nearest guests could see it.
“Someone used my account to authorize charges under my name. The venue is preserving every record.”
Roland’s amused expression disappeared.
“That sounds like some kind of administrative error,” he said.
“Then you should have no objection to the records being examined.”
He glanced at Daniel.
It was only a glance, but Margaret saw it. The warning. The calculation. The silent instruction to regain control.
Tiffany reached for the paper.
Margaret pulled it back.
“Don’t touch me.”
Tiffany’s hand fell to her side.
Daniel swallowed.
“Mom, I was going to tell you.”
“When?”
“After tonight.”
“After what happened?”
“I didn’t know she would slap you.”
Margaret looked at him for a long moment.
“That is not what I asked.”
Daniel’s face tightened.
“I used the account because we were short. The wedding costs kept changing. Tiffany’s family made commitments based on what you promised.”
“I promised to pay for the wedding. I did not promise to fund an account you opened in my name.”
