Chapter 1 - The Morning After
Seven hours earlier, Leah Hartwell woke alone in the bridal suite.
Her wedding dress was draped across a chair near the window. Morning sunlight touched the white fabric, making it appear almost innocent.
Ryan’s side of the bed was empty.
Leah sat up slowly. Her head ached from exhaustion, although she had barely touched the champagne. The wedding had ended after midnight, but Ryan had disappeared from the reception several times to answer calls.
Each time Leah asked what was wrong, he had smiled.
“Business never sleeps.”
She had accepted the answer because Ryan had spent years presenting himself as the exhausted heir responsible for protecting his family’s company.
Leah had believed she was marrying a man burdened by duty.
She did not yet know he was a man drowning in secrets.
Her phone was missing from the bedside table.
Leah searched beneath the pillows, inside her handbag, and across the dressing room. It was gone.
When she entered the hallway, she found Chloe standing near the stairs in a pale lavender robe.
“You’re awake,” Chloe said.
Her smile appeared forced.
“Have you seen my phone?” Leah asked.
Chloe’s eyes moved toward the study door before returning to Leah.
“No.”
The hesitation lasted less than a second, but Leah noticed it.
Before she could ask another question, Elaine’s voice rose from downstairs.
“Breakfast should have been ready by now.”
Leah looked toward the staircase.
“I thought the staff prepared breakfast.”
Chloe swallowed.
“They were given the morning off.”
“By whom?”
May you like
“Ryan.”
Leah felt the first cold warning move through her chest.
