Evelyn looked across the ballroom.
The table assigned to Claire’s parents was empty.
Megan, Claire’s younger sister, wasn’t there either.
Two cousins who had earlier been taking photographs near the dessert display had also vanished.
They weren’t on the dance floor, in the reception area, or apparently anywhere nearby.
Suddenly, their absence made terrible sense.
“Where are your parents, Claire?”
The bride raised her chin.
“Taking care of family matters.”
Daniel shut his eyes.
For Evelyn, that reaction was enough.
She placed her glass on the nearest table. The crystal made almost no sound, yet several guests turned toward her as though something had shattered.
“Daniel,” Evelyn asked, “is your wife’s family on their way to my estate?”
Her son didn’t answer.
Claire did.
“They should already be there. By the time the party is over, everything will be settled.”
Shock spread across the ballroom.
