Chapter 10 - The Calm Before the Storm
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The threat worked perfectly.
Daniel had used his corporate slush fund to pay Ashley the fifty thousand dollars, masking it as a consulting fee. It was illegal, highly unethical, and entirely destructive to his career if exposed. Mark’s connections could easily have those documents flagged by the SEC.
Daniel was completely, utterly trapped.
We left the hotel suite, leaving Daniel and Ashley in the shattered remains of their secret world.
The next twenty-four hours were a masterclass in psychological warfare. Daniel returned to our estate, looking like a hollow shell of a man. He tried to speak to me, tried to beg for forgiveness, but I simply walked past him as if he didn't exist.
I spent the afternoon at a high-end salon, getting my hair and makeup done. I poured myself into a stunning, backless black gown. I wasn't dressing for my husband; I was dressing for his funeral.
When I walked down the grand staircase, Daniel was waiting in the foyer in his tuxedo. He looked up at me, his eyes filled with a desperate, agonizing regret.
“You look beautiful, Claire,” he whispered, his voice cracking.
“Don't speak to me unless there is a camera flashing,” I commanded coldly, walking past him out the front door.
We rode to the gala in absolute silence.
The ballroom of the Grand Hotel was dazzling. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over hundreds of the city’s elite. Waiters circled with silver trays of champagne. It was the pinnacle of high society, the exact world Daniel loved more than anything.
We walked the red carpet. I smiled flawlessly for the photographers, holding Daniel’s arm tightly, forcing him to play the role of the loving, powerful CEO.
Inside the ballroom, I spotted my mother immediately. She was wearing an ostentatious silver gown, chatting loudly with a group of investors' wives, desperately clinging to the social status my marriage afforded her.
She saw us and rushed over.
“Claire, darling! You look stunning,” my mother gushed, kissing the air near my cheek. She looked at Daniel. “And Daniel, congratulations on the new acquisition tonight. We are all so proud of you.”
I smiled a razor-sharp, terrifying smile.
“Where is Ashley, Mom?” I asked innocently.
My mother’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second. “Oh, she... she wasn't feeling well tonight. She decided to stay home.”
“That’s a shame,” I replied smoothly. “I was hoping the whole family would be here to see the big announcement.”
Daniel shifted uncomfortably beside me, sweat beading on his forehead.
“If you'll excuse me,” Daniel muttered. “I need to go speak with the chairman before I take the stage.”
“Don't be long, darling,” I said loudly, patting his arm.
May you like
As he walked away, I looked at my mother.
“Enjoy the champagne, Mom,” I whispered. “It’s going to be a very long night.”
