"Hello," Ella said curtly, pressing the phone to her ear.
Sophia's voice came through the line, dripping with sarcasm. "Hello, Ella. How are you doing? Uh, you must be doing great, I guess. After all, you have a rich boyfriend now. You'll even forget about us, won't you?"
Ella's anger flared at Sophia's mocking words. She clenched her jaw and tried to keep her cool. "Why are you calling me?" she asked, her voice tight with frustration.
"Oh, I missed you and wanted to check on you," Sophia said, feigning concern. "I thought I would invite you to dinner. But it seems that you're upset with us."
Ella sighed and rolled her eyes. Her cousin was considering inviting her to dinner. What a farce! Ella would not fall for her falsehoods. She was certain Sophia was up to something.
"What do you want, Sophia?" she asked bluntly.
Sophia chuckled. "I have some news to share with you. Have you heard that Paul is dead?"