Claire seemed to abandon any further effort to appear considerate.
“Oh, please,” she said, already tired of pretending to be sweet. “Your father is de:ad. Your mother can’t live like the house is a museum.”
Daniel stared at her.
Only now did he appear to understand the true intentions behind the move.
His wife’s family hadn’t simply been seeking somewhere to stay during a difficult transition.
They had prepared a calculated takeover, using the wedding to distract Evelyn while their belongings were moved into her home.
The elegant celebration, champagne, flowers, and wedding clothes had provided cover for something that should never have happened.
Evelyn returned her phone to her handbag.
“I’m leaving.”
Daniel hurried after her into the hotel corridor.
“Mom, wait. Please. This got out of control.”
She stopped beneath an ornate gold light fixture.
Behind them, the ballroom buzzed with distressed conversation.
