The scream tore through the venue.
"Call an ambulance," someone shouted.
Lucas dropped to his knees, cradling Patricia as her body jerked weakly in his arms. His hands trembled as he tried to keep her upright, panic flooding his face in a way no one there had ever seen before.
"Patricia—hey—stay with me," he said urgently, brushing her hair back as foam continued to spill at the corner of her lips. "Look at me, just breathe."
Evelyn's world fractured.
She lifted her dress and rushed forward, her heels forgotten and her heart slamming violently against her ribs.
"Patricia!" she cried, dropping beside them.
Alexander moved at the same time.
Guests were standing, whispering, gasping, some frozen in place. Phones were already coming out before Margaret's cane struck the floor once and hard.
"Put those away," Margaret snapped. "Anyone filming will leave immediately."
Silence followed.
Pauline was already there, kneeling with Evelyn, her hand steady on Patricia's wrist.
