Inside hung my plain dark gray linen dress, freshly pressed.

“Look at this, ladies,” Doña Victoria said with a short scoff.

“She thinks plain cotton is appropriate for a hundred-guest banquet.”

The guest in the navy suit took a slow sip of tea and looked down into her cup.

“It’s very understated,” the guest said.

“Understated is a polite word for destitute,” Doña Victoria said.

She stood up, her silk scarf fluttering as she crossed the rug toward me.

“Starting tomorrow morning, I’m taking complete control of your daily schedule.”