I was caught in the receptionist's contemptuous gaze, paralyzed with humiliation as she openly mocked my claim to be Mrs. Valois. The blood rushing to my face burned hotter than any fever I'd ever experienced.
"Sophie," the receptionist called out to a younger woman sorting files nearby, "come listen to this. This girl thinks she can waltz in here pretending to be Adrian Valois's wife!"
Sophie looked up, her eyes scanning me from head to toe before her lips curled into a cruel smile. "Seriously? That's pathetic."
My hands trembled at my sides. This was a disaster. Why had I ever thought this would work? Leo's desperate plea echoed in my mind—the only reason I'd attempted this ridiculous charade in the first place.
"I'm here for Leo's parent-teacher conference," I insisted, trying to keep my voice steady. "Perhaps there's been some confusion with the scheduling."