I stepped closer and looked at Yvonne. "Happy graduation. I hadn't gotten the chance to congratulate you yet."
"Though I have to wonder—a college girl still paying off student loans, still relying on donors just to finish her degree... wearing a twenty-million-dollar necklace around her neck. Doesn't that seem a little off?"
Yvonne's face turned scarlet. Her eyes reddened, and her hands trembled as she reached for the clasp.
"I'm sorry, Leonora. I know I don't deserve it. I had no idea Warren would give me something this expensive."
Tears spilled down her cheeks as she spoke, the picture of wounded innocence.
Whispers erupted around us.
"No way—college students are that extravagant now? Wearing jewelry worth millions while collecting financial aid?"
"I heard she's on a merit scholarship too. Who knows how she got that."
"She's supposed to be broke? That dress alone costs thousands. Something doesn't add up."
"You think she's someone's kept woman?"
"Isn't that Mr. Henson? Doesn't he have a wife?"
The murmurs grew louder and louder.
Yvonne lifted her tear-streaked face to mine. "I'm sorry, Leonora. But today's my graduation. Warren brought me here to see what this world was like."