Chapter 88 Masquerade

Alicia Davenport I froze for a second before turning around, schooling my features into a neutral expression. My mother stood at the bottom of the staircase, her arms crossed and her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in my outfit. “I’m going out to dinner with Cindy,” I said smoothly, hoping she wouldn’t press the issue. “Dinner,” she repeated, raising one eyebrow as her gaze swept over the dress, the stilettos, the bold makeup. “Looking like that?” I smiled tightly. “Yes, Mom. It’s… a fancy restaurant.” She sighed, clearly not convinced but unwilling to argue. “Just don’t get home too late, alright?” “I won’t,” I promised, feeling a pang of guilt but quickly brushing it aside. It wasn’t like I was doing anything wrong—just going out to unwind a little. Surely I was entitled to that much. Without waiting for further interrogation, I turned and slipped out the door, letting out a breath of relief as I spotted Cindy’s car parked at the curb. I walked over quickly, and as soon as