Agnes flashed her dimples.
"No worries. I'm the forgiving type."
Vivian addressed the crowd.
"Everyone, this was clearly a misunderstanding. Let's not let it ruin the evening.
"Please, carry on."
Then, right in front of Agnes and Carmen, she turned to Tiffany with gentle concern.
"Tiffany, as long as you're okay. Just be more careful next time, all right?"
Vivian played peacemaker, smoothing over the scene with practiced ease.
Once things calmed down, she approached Agnes.
"I'm so sorry, Ms. Sinclair. Tiffany must have panicked and said things she didn't mean.
"Please don't take it to heart. She's my friend—let me apologize on her behalf."
Agnes smiled. "Ms. Brogdon, you said it yourself. A misunderstanding. All cleared up now."
Vivian said, "Then we'll leave you to your evening."
She led Tiffany and the others away.
Once they were at a safe distance, Vivian shot Tiffany a murderous glare, then looked back toward Agnes and Carmen.
Fury churned inside her. Tiffany was useless.
All that big talk about teaching Agnes a lesson, and she'd been humiliated in seconds.
But Vivian kept the smile.
"Tiffany, you okay? You really need to be more careful. I told you not to go after her."
Tiffany was crimson with rage.
"She pushed me! I know she did!"
The other socialites gaped.
"Come on, Tiffany... how? Everyone was watching. Did you swallow too much pool water?"
Tiffany shot her a death glare. "I'm not crazy! She pushed me!"
"Sure. And just a minute ago, you were bragging about putting her in her place.
"How'd that work out? You're the one looking like a drowned cat."
Tiffany said, "She's sneaky! Devious! I underestimated her!"
Vivian cut in.
"Enough, all of you. Why are you all fighting now?
"Tiffany, leave Ms. Sinclair alone.
"Not everyone can match her... versatility. She's out of your league."

Vivian kept advising restraint. Internally, she was savoring every word. Idiot.

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