The silence in The Onyx was heavy, broken only by the soft hum of the air conditioning and the wet, ragged sounds of Bella Vale sobbing on the expensive carpet.
Aria sat in the plush velvet booth, looking down at her half-sister. She didn't rush to help. She didn't even offer a napkin. She picked up a truffle fry, dipped it in aioli, and took a slow, deliberate bite.
"Bella," Aria said, chewing thoughtfully. "You're ruining the vibe."
"How can you eat?" Bella wailed, lifting her face. She looked wrecked. For the first time in her life, she wasn't wearing makeup. Her face was blotchy, her eyes swollen, and her nose red. "Daddy is dying! He's in the ICU! His heart..."
"People die, Bella," Aria shrugged, reaching for her wine. "It happens. Why are you telling me?"
"Because he's your father too!" Bella screamed, her voice cracking. "He's asking for you!"
"I don't care."
"The lawyers are there!" Bella screamed.
Aria paused. She set her wine glass down. "The lawyers?"
