I could almost feel her frustration traveling across the terrace.
When she turned toward me again, I recognized the dangerous expression of someone searching for an easier target.
I quietly set my glass on a nearby table.
Mara approached with another tray, and I thanked her before declining a drink.
She glanced toward Chloe and then back at me, her expression suddenly uneasy.
"Ma'am, would you like me to bring you anything?" she asked.
I shook my head and smiled.
"No, thank you, I'm perfectly comfortable."
Mara hesitated as though she wanted to say something else, but another guest called her over before she could speak.
I turned back toward the city and rested my hands against the cool glass railing.
The night sky was beautifully clear, and a distant airplane moved between the illuminated towers like a tiny silver star.
For a few peaceful seconds, I managed to forget about the strange hostility developing behind me.
Then I heard the unmistakable click of high heels approaching across the marble floor.
The footsteps stopped directly beside me.
"Well, hello there," a woman's voice announced.
I turned and found Chloe standing only a few feet away.
Up close, her silver gown was even more dazzling, but her expression carried a sharpness that no amount of expensive jewelry could soften.
She held a tall crystal glass containing a dark red cocktail garnished with a delicate twist of orange peel.
"Oh, honey," she said sweetly, "are you enjoying yourself?"
Several nearby conversations became noticeably quieter.
I sensed people watching, although I couldn't understand why an ordinary question suddenly felt like the beginning of a public confrontation.
"Yes, thank you," I replied.
Chloe looked me up and down with exaggerated curiosity.
"Really, because you seem rather lonely standing here all by yourself?"
I smiled politely.
"I've been enjoying the view."
She glanced toward Manhattan as though the skyline had personally disappointed her.
"How charming," she murmured.
I waited for her to move along, but she took another small step closer.
"Tell me, are you here with someone?"
I considered the question for a moment.
"Yes."
Her eyebrows lifted.
"Anyone I might know?"
"Possibly," I answered.
Something cold flickered behind her smile.
"You're being rather mysterious for someone nobody seems to recognize."
I could have answered with a dozen explanations, but none seemed necessary.
I had never believed that a stranger was entitled to my personal information simply because she demanded it.