Chapter 4 - Behind the Locked Bridal Door.
Claire did not watch Celeste walk down the aisle.
She watched Adrian.
She waited for him to stop the ceremony when the officiant asked whether anyone knew of a reason the marriage should not proceed.
He said nothing.
So did she.
That silence would haunt them both before the night was over.
After the ceremony, Celeste played the perfect bride.
She kissed Victor's cheek.
She posed with Claire beneath an arch of white roses.
She whispered, "Smile," while the photographer adjusted their shoulders.
Claire smiled because she had already changed her plan.
She was no longer trying to convince Adrian privately.
She was going to make denial impossible.
Tessa found her again near the service elevator.
The server looked terrified.
"She knows I gave you the transfer."
"How?"
"Someone went through my locker."
"Who?"
Tessa shook her head.
"I can't stay here."
Claire took her hand.
"Did you see anything else?"
Tessa glanced toward the ballroom doors.
"There are more transfers."
"How many?"
"At least six."
"From the foundation?"
"And from Hale Holdings."
Claire felt the floor tilt beneath her.
"Where did you see them?"
"I used to work for Celeste."
That stopped Claire cold.
Tessa's eyes filled with shame.
"Not here."
"Where?"
"At Arden House."
Claire frowned.
"Her family's estate?"
Tessa gave a bitter laugh.
"There is no Arden family estate."
"Celeste told us—"
"Celeste tells everyone whatever gets her through the next locked door."
Tessa pulled a small brass key from her apron.
"Locker nineteen in the staff corridor."
"What's inside?"
"A ledger."
Claire closed her fingers around the key.
"Why didn't you go to the police?"
Tessa's face changed.
"Because the last person who tried lost his job, his apartment, and nearly his life."
Before Claire could ask who, the service elevator opened.
A man in a black suit stepped out.
He was not part of Victor's security team.
Tessa went rigid.
"Go."
"Who is he?"
"Go now."
Claire turned toward the ballroom.
The man moved faster.
He caught Tessa by the arm.
Claire spun back.
"Let her go."
He smiled politely.
"Private staff matter, Ms. Hale."
"You're not staff."
The smile vanished.
Claire reached for her phone.
The man released Tessa and stepped away.
"Enjoy the reception."
He disappeared into the elevator.
Tessa was shaking.
"That was Owen Vale."
"Who is he?"
"The man Celeste calls when she needs a problem to stop talking."
Claire looked at the brass key in her hand.
"Then we get the ledger now."
They made it halfway down the staff corridor before the fire alarm flashed once without sounding.
Every magnetic lock clicked at the same time.
Claire tried the nearest door.
Locked.
Behind them, the service elevator began descending again.
Tessa whispered, "He's coming back."
Claire looked at the emergency map on the wall.
Locker nineteen was on the other side of the sealed corridor.
The elevator bell chimed.
May you like
The doors started to open.
And Claire realized the wedding venue had just become a trap.
