Chapter 2: The Man in the Dark Suit
The whole gala seemed to hold its breath.
Gabriel crouched down slowly until he was eye level with my youngest.
His voice came out quieter than I had ever heard it.
"What's your name?"
"Eli." My son didn't flinch.
He just stared back with those gray-green eyes — Gabriel's eyes — completely unafraid.
Gabriel stood.
When he looked at me, something in his face had broken open.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"You had already chosen her."
Serena stepped forward.
"Gabriel, this is not the place—"
"Don't." One word.
He didn't even look at her.
She went still.
My oldest, Marcus, tugged my hand.
"Mom, is he mad at you?" I squeezed his fingers.
"No, baby.
He's just surprised."
Gabriel ran a hand across his jaw.
"Five years, Claire.
Five years."
"I know."
"I would have—"
"What?" I kept my voice low.
"Stayed?
Out of obligation?" He had no answer.
Neither did I.
Then Serena did something I didn't expect.
She opened her clutch, pulled out her phone, and stepped away to make a call.
Quiet.
Deliberate.
Like she already had a plan.
A man in a dark suit near the entrance caught her eye and gave a small nod.
My stomach dropped.
---
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What Claire saw next made her realize this night was never going to end quietly.
Click the link below to read the full story — the truth runs deeper than anyone in that room knew.
