Chapter 61: The Queen’s Gambit
Diane’s POV
I was just about to switch on the TV with a cup of tea in my hand when my phone vibrated on the table next to me. Elizabeth’s name flashed on the screen. I smiled, remembering our recent conversation. She had become an unexpected ally in this mess of a situation.
"Hello, Elizabeth," I answered, balancing the phone between my ear and shoulder as I continued to stir my tea.
"Oh, Diane!" Her voice came through breathless with excitement. "I just had to call you right away. You’ll never believe what happened!"
I set my spoon down, suddenly alert. "What is it? Is everything okay?"
A delighted chuckle bubbled through the phone. "More than okay, dear. That package you sent—the inflatable unicorn? It was magnificent!"
My eyebrows shot up. "Package? Elizabeth, I didn’t—"
"Oh, you don’t have to play coy with me," she interrupted with another laugh. "I know your handiwork when I see it. And let me tell you, it was the highlight of my year!"
I lowered myself onto the couch in the living room, processing her words. my shoulders shaking with laughter as I pictured Liam’s face when the inflatable unicorn unfurled before his entire staff. The mental image was worth every penny I’d spent arranging the delivery.
"And you’re absolutely certain no one traced it back to me?" I asked, wiping tears of mirth from my eyes.
"Not a chance," Elizabeth assured me, her own laughter bubbling through the phone. "Security checked the package, but they only scanned for dangerous items, not embarrassing ones." She lowered her voice conspiratorially.