Chapter 4

Daniel watched me for two seconds. When I said nothing else, he turned back to the room and continued his speech.

While he talked, I turned and walked up the remaining stairs toward the second-floor home office.

The office was dark. Daniel's laptop sat open on the desk, logged into our shared studio files.

I searched Harper's name. One document appeared: VALE BRIDAL MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT.

I opened it. The papers gave Harper permission to use the studio's name and put Daniel in charge of daily operations.

On the last page was my signature.

Claire Vale.

Beneath it was a date and time I could never forget.

October 14, 2:15 p.m.

At 2:15 p.m. on October fourteenth, Ellie had suffered a severe allergic reaction during lunch. I had spent four hours holding her hand in the emergency room while the doctor monitored her breathing. I had not been home. I had not touched a computer.

I pulled out my phone and took a clear photo of the page. Then I closed the browser tab and left the computer exactly as I had found it.

Footsteps stopped outside the doorway. Daniel stood there, watching me in the dim light.

"What are you doing up here?" he asked, his voice low.

I stood up from his desk and smoothed my skirt. My face remained completely neutral.

"I needed somewhere quiet," I said.

Daniel searched my eyes, looking for anger, tears, or an accusation. When he found none, his posture relaxed.

"Claire," he said, his tone softening into that familiar warmth. "I know this is a surprise, but it's for the best. Everyone downstairs is waiting."

"Yes," I said. "It is."

I walked past him out of the office and headed back down the stairs.

Daniel followed me.

When I reached the lower landing, Daniel picked up the wireless microphone from the side table.

"Everyone!" he announced warmly to the room.

The forty guests turned their attention back to the stairs. Harper stood nearby in my mother's dress, posing under the soft lights.

Daniel smiled at the crowd, then held out the microphone toward me.

He leaned close, his breath brushing my ear as he whispered:

"Smile, take the mic, and welcome her, Claire. Don't ruin your daughter's engagement over a business decision."

Daniel waited for me to play my part.

I reached out and took the microphone from his hand.

Daniel's shoulders relaxed, a victorious smile spreading across his face.

I didn't look at him. I didn't look at the guests.

I turned, stepped up to Harper's tripod, and looked directly into the red recording lens.