Chapter 3

“No.”

Adrian stared at me.

“She stepped into the table,” I said. “I asked her to let go of my arm. I won’t apologize for that.”

Chloe kept her eyes lowered. The staff member beside her waited with a folded napkin.

“That’s enough, Vivian.”

Adrian glanced toward the guests watching us.

“Go home. We’ll talk when you’ve calmed down.”

“I have a meeting to finish.”

I stepped around him and went into the adjoining room. The trustees made space for me at the table, and I opened my folder.

An hour later, as I was leaving, Adrian caught up with me in the hall.

“I’ll replace the dress.”

“Have the original returned to my assistant.”

“I said I’d make it up to you.”

I handed my coat to the attendant so I could put it on.

“My assistant will send you the delivery address.”

I left without waiting for him.

By the following afternoon, the gala footage was circulating online.

My assistant asked whether I wanted to issue a statement.

“Send anything relevant to my lawyer. I’ll deal with it after the move.”

The gown had been delivered to a restoration studio that morning. My lawyer had also sent over a list of our joint business commitments. I marked the ones my team would continue handling and arranged a call about the rest.

Then I called the wedding planner and cancelled my appointments for the following week.

I was reviewing the London contract when I heard luggage being brought into the house.

Downstairs, two members of staff were carrying suitcases toward the east wing.

“Are we expecting guests?”

The housekeeper paused.

“Miss Bennett will be staying here, ma’am.”

Adrian came in behind her with Chloe.

“There were people outside my apartment this morning,” Chloe said. “Someone posted the address after the gala.”

“I’ve had her brought here until security deals with it,” Adrian said. “She’ll use the east wing.”

I looked at him.

“You’ve already given the instructions.”

“It’s my house.”

The housekeeper stood between us, still holding the room keys.

“Yes, it is.”

I turned to her.

“The boxes in my dressing room are ready. Please keep them separate from the new luggage. My people are collecting them.”

“Of course.”

Adrian looked toward the stairs.

“What boxes?”

“My belongings. I’m moving them.”

He watched me for a moment.

“Vivian, you don’t have to clear a room because Chloe’s staying here.”

“I know.”

I went back upstairs.

At six, I finished my call with London and heard music from the conservatory.

Debussy’s Clair de Lune.

My mother’s piano stood beside the windows. I had brought it here when the Whitmore estate was sold, along with her music and the photographs she used to keep on top of it.

Chloe was at the keyboard. Adrian stood beside her, turning a page.

I crossed the room and waited for her hands to pause.

“I need that book.”

Chloe looked up.

“Oh. Of course.”

She lifted it from the stand and handed it to me. My mother’s penciled notes filled the margins.

“I used to play,” she said. “Adrian said I could practice here.”

I checked the loose pages tucked inside the back cover, then gathered the other scores.

“The piano is being moved. Please leave it closed until it’s collected.”

Adrian frowned.

“She’s only been here a few minutes.”

“These are my mother’s things. I’m having them packed.”

“It’s a piano, Vivian. Playing it won’t damage it.”

“I’ve asked you to leave it alone.”

He looked at the books in my arms.

“Fine. I’ll take care of it.”

I picked up the photograph beside the music stand and left.

Back upstairs, I put the scores and photograph in a separate case and called my assistant.

“Is everything confirmed for London?”

“Yes. The team is ready, and the car is booked for the morning after tomorrow.”

“What’s still waiting here?”

“The piano collection and your appointment at the restoration studio.”

“Book the piano movers for tomorrow morning. I’ll go to the studio myself.”

As she checked the arrangements, music started downstairs again.

A different piece this time. Faster.

I closed the case and fastened both catches.

“Move my flight to tomorrow evening.”

“Shall I notify Mr. Moretti’s office?”

“No. Send the details to my driver.”

I took my passport from the drawer and put it in my bag.