like calculation.
“Don’t stress yourself, darling,” she said, her voice dripping with artificial honey. “You know what the doctor said about your heart.”
“I’ll be fine,” I replied, grabbing my keys.
At the restaurant, Tony bypassed the host stand entirely. He met me at the service entrance in the alley, his face pale, and silently led me down the concrete stairs into the basement security room. The air smelled of stale grease and floor cleaner.
“If I show you this, Richard… I need your word you won’t do anything rash,” Tony said, his hand hovering over the computer mouse. “This isn’t just a family dispute. It’s a conspiracy.”
“Play it,” I ordered.
The screen flickered to life. It was the security feed from the VIP bridal lounge, time-stamped two nights ago—the night of the wedding reception.
The heavy oak door swung open, and Eleanor walked in. She was not using