"Impossible!" Jasmine scoffed. "Tony's parents live abroad. He just told me he bought tickets to visit them."
My stomach dropped. My in-laws had been enjoying retirement overseas. They'd returned secretly to surprise their son for New Year, contacting me to pick them up.
I never imagined the surprise would become a nightmare.
Before I could explain, Leon choked down blood and pointed a trembling finger at Zoe's handbag.
"Medicine... save your mother!"
I scrambled for the bag, but Jasmine barked, "Hold her down! Gag them both. I'm calling Tony myself."
Rough hands clamped over my mouth. Jasmine dialed on speaker.
"Babe," she cooed, her voice transforming to sugar. "When you go to Canada, can I come? I want to meet your parents."
Anthony chuckled. "No. They don't know I'm divorcing Violet yet. Need to break it to them gently."
"Will they be coming back soon? I wanted to prepare a gift."
"Probably not. My mom's health is too fragile for long flights. Once we're married, I'll take you to meet them."
They exchanged a few more sickeningly sweet words before Jasmine hung up. Her face darkened instantly.
"Damn it. Almost fell for your cheap trick!"
She stormed over and slapped me. My head snapped sideways, cheek burning—but panic for Zoe consumed me.
"Please," I begged. "Her heart medication is in the bag. She's dying!"
"First you impersonate Tony's parents for a free meal, now you're faking a heart attack for compensation?"
Jasmine crouched, patting my cheek mockingly. "No money? This Hermès bag will cover the bill."
She stood and waved at the guards. "Throw these grifters out."
"I want to see who dares!" Leon roared hoarsely, struggling to stand. "I am Anthony Sanchez's father!"
Jasmine kicked him in the mouth.
"Old wretch. Open your trap again and I'll shatter every tooth you have left."
"Dad!"
Red rage blurred my vision. I fought toward him, but the guards dragged me backward, shoving us all toward the exit.
The restaurant buzzed with New Year's Eve energy—spices, laughter, clinking glasses. Then Jasmine raised her voice, and every head turned toward our bedraggled group.
"Everyone, look!" She pointed at us, voice dripping with theatrical outrage. "These shameless people tried to dine and dash! Not a penny to their names, yet they have the audacity to claim my restaurant serves pre-made dishes. And now they're faking illness to skip out on the bill!"