After wiping his hands, Casiano glanced at the discomposed Alla and remarked coldly, "Did I not warn you to keep away from Keyon?"
Upon seeing Casiano appear at the Walters' family manor, she had assumed he was here for the soirée, not to confront her.
He was certainly formidable, having uncovered her dalliance with Keyon in barely a day's time.
Yet, the blame could not truly be laid at her feet. Had it not been for his fiancée, she would have languished at home rather than accompany Keyon to this gathering.
Alla saw no reason for subterfuge and spoke plainly: "I did intend to distance myself from him, but your betrothed, Ms. Reed, insisted I entertain him. Had I refused, she would have fined me. Thus, I was compelled to defy your admonition and play hostess to him."
Her implication was clear: if blame must be assigned, direct it at his Ella, not her veiled provocations.
