Chapter 1

A few days later, Adrian came into my study and asked for one of my evening gowns.

My mother had commissioned it for our engagement gala before she died. She had chosen the fabric herself and worked with the designer on the pattern of diamonds across the skirt.

“Chloe is coming to the foundation gala on Friday,” he said. “She liked the dress. I told her she could wear it.”

I set down my pen.

“You should have asked me first.”

“It’s one evening, Vivian. You’re not using it.”

“It belongs to me. She can choose something else.”

He frowned.

“It’s her first formal appearance with me. I don’t want her walking into that room feeling she doesn’t belong.”

“Then help her find a dress. You can’t offer her mine.”

“Do we really need to argue about this?”

“I’ve answered you.”

After he left, I asked the housekeeper to arrange for the gown to be collected with the rest of my mother’s things.

She called back ten minutes later.

“Mr. Moretti had it sent to Miss Bennett’s stylist this morning. I understood you’d approved it.”

“I didn’t. Send my assistant the delivery details.”

His office subsequently refused to release the gown before the gala. I forwarded the correspondence to my lawyer and asked her to arrange its return.

By Friday evening, the remaining boxes from my dressing room were ready for collection.

I attended the gala because my team was involved in a European project on the foundation’s agenda. I had confirmed the meeting with its trustees earlier that week.

The Moretti estate on Long Island was crowded with family members, donors, and business associates. Security checked invitations at the gates; inside, waiters moved between groups of guests with champagne.

I saw Chloe as soon as I entered the ballroom.

She stood beside Adrian beneath the chandelier, wearing my gown. A woman from the foundation’s board was admiring the diamond work.

For a moment, I looked at the skirt. My mother and I had spent an afternoon choosing that design.

Then Adrian saw me and crossed the room.

“I didn’t think you were coming.”

“I’m meeting the trustees.”

His gaze moved to the folder under my arm, then back to my face.

Chloe joined us.

“Vivian, thank you for letting me borrow the dress. It’s beautiful.”

“I told Adrian you couldn’t borrow it.”

She looked at him.

Before she could answer, he stepped closer to her.

“Vivian, this is a family event. Don’t embarrass her.”

“I’m telling her what you apparently didn’t.”

Two guests nearby stopped talking. I kept my attention on Adrian.

“My mother had that gown made for me. You knew I wanted it kept with her things. You also knew I’d said no.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

“You can start by having another dress brought here.”

His expression tightened.

I gave Chloe the name of the staff member managing the guest rooms.

“She can give you somewhere to change. My assistant will arrange collection.”

Then I turned back to Adrian.

“My lawyer will contact your office at ten tomorrow. Make sure they answer her this time.”