Chapter 2 - Vanessa’s Empty Chair
By Friday, Vanessa had become impossible to ignore.
Her name appeared in Evan’s calendar.
Her name appeared on business invoices.
Her name appeared in messages that Evan deleted too quickly.
And eventually, her photograph appeared inside Claire’s own dining room.
That was the night Evan announced his plan.
“She’s moving into the guest wing.”
Claire looked up from her dinner.
“For how long?”
“Until we finish the expansion project.”
“Why does she need to live here?”
“Because this house is closer to the company.”
Claire stared at him.
“The company has a hotel.”
Evan leaned back.
“You’re making this difficult.”
“No. I’m asking why my husband’s mistress is moving into my house.”
Evan slammed his glass onto the table.
“Watch your mouth.”
Claire looked at him.
There was something different in her eyes.
Evan noticed it for half a second.
Then dismissed it.
“You're not going to embarrass me in front of Vanessa.”
Claire smiled faintly.
“Embarrass you?”
“Yes.”
She nodded.
“I understand.”
That evening, Claire went upstairs.
She opened the safe hidden behind a painting in her study.
Inside were documents Evan had never seen.
Property records.
Corporate agreements.
Copies of old signatures.
And one envelope addressed to Daniel Ross.
Claire stared at it for several seconds.
Then she picked up her phone.
She sent a single message.
I’m ready.
May you like
The reply arrived two minutes later.
Then we begin.
