Chapter 3 - THE FIRST HUMILIATIONDinner began beautifully.
Music floated through the mansion.
Champagne glasses sparkled.
Guests talked about business, vacations, and expensive houses.
Claire tried to participate.
But Vanessa kept finding ways to make her presence uncomfortable.
“Oh, Claire,” Vanessa said casually, “you must have such a difficult time hosting these events now.”
The table went quiet.
Claire looked at her.
“I manage.”
“Of course.”
Vanessa smiled.
“I only meant that Daniel has so much responsibility. It must be exhausting for him.”
Daniel didn't correct her.
That hurt more than the words.
Claire slowly placed her fork down.
“I've never asked Daniel to carry my life for me.”
Vanessa tilted her head.
“I didn't say you did.”
“You implied it.”
Daniel sighed.
“Claire, please. It's Emily's birthday.”
Claire looked at him.
She wasn't the one causing the scene.
Yet somehow she was the one being blamed for it.
Emily suddenly reached across the table and grabbed her mother's hand.
“Mommy, are you okay?”
Claire forced a smile.
“I'm fine, sweetheart.”
But beneath the table, her fingers trembled.
For the first time that evening, Claire realized something terrifying.
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Daniel wasn't protecting her anymore.
He was protecting Vanessa.
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