Chapter 5

I turned toward Harper's tripod, lifted the microphone, and looked straight into the red recording lens.

"There's only one problem with my husband's announcement," I said, my voice carrying through the speakers. "I never agreed to step down."

The chatter in the dining room died away.

Harper's hand froze near her waist. Beside me, Daniel didn't snatch the microphone back or lose his temper. Instead, he let out a soft, sympathetic chuckle into his own mic, looking at our guests with practiced patience.

"Claire, please," he said, his tone gentle, almost indulgent. "You're upset about seeing your mother's dress out…