Forty-Seven Guests Watched Maya Leave With Two Suitcases—Then Her Mother’s Orchid Ring Led to the Money Her Husband Said She Didn’t Have

A paper plate fell from the table.

Lily cried out.

Maya pushed herself upright and put both hands on the table.

Frosting covered her hair, her cheek, and the front of her dress.

She blinked repeatedly, trying to clear one eye.

For a moment, nobody moved.

Then a chair scraped behind her.

Someone asked whether she was all right.