Thomas Blackwell was seventy-two.
Founder and chairman of Blackwell Corporation.
One of the wealthiest and most influential businessmen in Bellmere.
Adrian spoke about him constantly.
Thomas could approve a promotion with one conversation.
Or quietly ensure someone never worked at that level again.
Beside him walked his older sister, Eleanor Blackwell.
Several security personnel followed.
Adrian reached Thomas almost immediately.
“Mr. Blackwell.”
His smile was painfully wide.
“It’s such an honor.”
Thomas shook his hand politely.
Then asked:
“I was told your wife was attending tonight.”
Adrian stiffened.
From across the room—
I saw it happen.
“Of course.”
He laughed nervously.
“She’s around somewhere.”
Thomas frowned.
“Somewhere?”
“She’s shy.”
Adrian glanced toward me.
“Not really used to this environment.”
Then, reluctantly—
he motioned me over.
I WALKED TOWARD THEM
I wanted to disappear.
But I kept my shoulders straight.
Adrian forced a smile.
“Claire.”
I stopped beside him.
He cleared his throat.
“Mr. Blackwell, this is Claire.”
Then he added quickly:
“She’s helping with the event tonight.”
I turned slowly toward him.
But before I could speak—
I noticed Thomas staring at me.
Not my dress.
Not my shoes.
My necklace.
I extended my hand politely.
“It’s nice to meet you.”
Thomas never took it.
His face had gone completely white.
Beside him—
Eleanor Blackwell gasped.
Both hands flew to her mouth.
I instinctively touched the necklace.
Adrian noticed the silence.
And laughed nervously.
“IGNORE THAT OLD THING.”
Adrian reached for my arm.
“I keep telling Claire not to wear cheap junk to formal events.”
His fingers tightened.
“Go stand back near the corner.”
Then—
in front of half the ballroom—
he said:
“You’re embarrassing me.”
Thomas Blackwell’s voice exploded across the room.
“TAKE YOUR HAND OFF HER.”
Every conversation stopped.
Adrian released me immediately.
“Sir, I—”
Thomas ignored him.
He stepped toward me slowly.
His eyes filled with tears.
“That necklace.”
I swallowed.
“What about it?”
“Where did you get it?”
I TOLD HIM ABOUT MRS. EVELYN HARPER
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