Chapter 6 - The Guest Who Never Arrived
Vanessa was supposed to arrive at eight.
At eight fifteen, she had not arrived.
At eight thirty, Evan became restless.
At eight forty-five, he called her.
No answer.
He called again.
Nothing.
Claire sat quietly across from him.
Daniel had not yet arrived.
The dining room looked exactly as Evan wanted.
Elegant.
Expensive.
Perfect.
Except for the empty chair.
“Where is she?”
Evan asked.
Claire lifted her wineglass.
“I don't know.”
“You were supposed to prepare everything.”
“I did.”
He glared at her.
“You're enjoying this.”
Claire smiled.
“No.”
That answer bothered him more.
At nine, Evan's phone rang.
He answered immediately.
“What?”
Silence.
His face changed.
“What do you mean the account is frozen?”
Claire lowered her glass.
Evan turned away.
“No. That's impossible.”
Another pause.
“Who authorized it?”
His voice became louder.
“What do you mean you need Claire’s approval?”
Claire watched him.
Evan slowly turned.
Their eyes met.
For the first time that evening, fear appeared in his face.
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“What did you do?”
Claire said nothing.
