Chapter 6 – The Man Behind the Marriage
Chapter 6 – The Man Behind the Marriage
Eleanor orders a full investigation.
What they find is not love.
It is targeting.
Surveillance photos of Claire before their “chance meeting.”
Financial links between Richard and Harold Whitman.
Encrypted messages:
“Confirm identity before engagement.”
“Secure access through marriage.”
Richard didn’t fall in love with Claire.
He was assigned to her.
Claire reads the files.
Her hands shake.
Then stop shaking.
Because something inside her turns cold.
Very cold.
She whispers:
“So every kiss… was a transaction?”
Eleanor answers softly:
“Yes.”
Claire exhales sharply.
May you like
Not crying anymore.
Something sharper replaces it.
