Fury of the broken mate

dgement, whereas Adrian's mansion was chilly and commanding. Wealth, influence, and relentless scrutiny were

that I demand of you,

aring a composed mask. "Papa, we're n

and sharp-featured, with steel-gray hair and piercing blue eyes. In a single

replied in a sceptical tone. He

I stepped forward and extended my hand, saying, "

narrowing slightly as he disregarded th

side. Adrian's voice stayed calm even while his jaw tensed.

bestowed; it must be earned. And apart from being a handy

ching. Richard said with ease, "Let's not make this into one of your inter

me. "When your personal life jeopardises

this battle just yet. I looked at Richard and begged him to interve

. Sophia, Adrian's younger sister, smirked, more indignant than friendly, as she sat back in her chair. Adrian's stepmother, Evelyn, sat

linking of cutlery. I made an effort to concentrate on my food, but occasional

ted, "So, Claire." "You're an artist," Richard said. How... endearin

I answered in a level voice, "I've had exhibitions in seve

onal. However, I think having Richard

Richard stated in a s

ying to do is get to know her. She is now a mem

n Richard without a quick respons

s struck me like a slap. Under the table, Adrian's palm lightly t

-

tor cornered Richard in the study. I could hear them argu

arriage is a diversion; at worst, it's a scandal waiting to ha

care what the board thinks." "This co

t indefinitely? People will eventually see through it, and when they do, mor

re than a front. In their corporate chess game, I wasn't just a pawn. B

personal life. Claire and I will demonstrate that we wor

rmy look on his face. He didn't show any signs

tense as he sa

-

state was quiet. I sat rigidly next to Adrian, mentally reliving

contain myself w

s?" I followed Richard into the living room and

turned to face me. "I didn't b

quite evident that he doesn't believe I

ted, "They don't matter." "What th

you even interested in that? Or am I merely a

Instead, he said, "Claire, you don't realise how much I

and his tone grew softer. "You're more re

ed me in my tracks. However, he added, "There's s

he escorted me to his office. "What i

he said, "Proof." "Why th

, but then I saw a string of emails exchanged between Victor and another board member. The phrase "

this?" My voice tr

just questioning us." He's attempting to discredit

s went beyond the business and the marriag