(Author POV)
Stephanie and Sheila continued to glare at one another. Given the way that the stage was set up—with thick red curtains on either side of them—they had no idea that anyone else could hear them. Nor did they realize that Jenny had her cell phone recording their interaction and live-streaming it, meaning that everyone in the opera house and backstage could not only hear the interaction, but also watch it.
Even if Stephanie and Sheila knew, it is doubtful that it would have changed anything. The anger and resentment flowing between the two of them was palpable. This was a standoff many years in the making.
Sheila broke the silence first.
"Well, well. The wicked witch of Spain has finally returned," Sheila said sarcastically.
Stephanie moved forward and slapped Sheila hard.
"YOU TOLD THEM THAT I WAS DEAD??????"
"No, I did not. They came to that conclusion on their own."
"BUT YOU LET THEM THINK THAT? What happened to the kidnapping note? And the scene we set up?"
