Chapter 1 — The Moment the Masks Fell
The executive floor became perfectly still.
Adrian stared at me.
At the red handprint across my cheek.
At the photograph still displayed on my phone.
Then at Vanessa.
For thirteen years, I had watched my husband negotiate billion-dollar mergers without losing his composure.
I had never seen fear on his face.
Until now.
Vanessa frowned.
"You know her?"
Adrian answered too quickly.
"She's..."
He stopped.
Because there was no harmless explanation.
Not anymore.
I calmly looked at the security guards.
"I'd like the surveillance footage from the executive pantry."
Vanessa laughed nervously.
"That's unnecessary."
I smiled.
"I disagree."
Adrian finally spoke.
"Claire... maybe we should discuss this privately."
I looked directly into his eyes.
"Private conversations ended the moment your secretary slapped me."
One of the guards quietly pressed his radio.
"Security Control..."
May you like
"Please preserve Camera Forty-Two immediately."
Vanessa's face lost its color.
