Chapter 4

After that, Margaret behaved herself for a while.

Because I'd paid for Meadowcrest's premium package, she treated the retreat as though she owned it.

When the director called to complain, I gave only one instruction.

"Whatever they ask for, do your best to accommodate it."

After ending the call, I continued reviewing the files my attorney and investigator had delivered.

Caleb had appeared hardworking after joining Raleigh Industries, but behind the scenes, he'd been helping himself.

He'd interfered with project funds, copied confidential documents, and accessed client information without authorization.

More absurdly, the supplementary card I'd given Vanessa showed multiple transfers into Caleb's account.

The security records also showed that whenever I traveled for work, Caleb entered my home as though he belonged there.

He keyed in the door code and walked straight to the primary bedroom.

Our wedding portrait still hung on the wall inside that room.

On those same nights, Vanessa would call me and whisper,

"Daniel, I'm scared being here alone. Please come home early."

Watching the bedroom door close behind Caleb on the footage made my stomach churn.

How had she managed it?

She slept with another man in my house.

Then she called me and used the sweetest voice in the world to say, "I love you."

Over the following weeks, I barely visited Meadowcrest.

Whenever Vanessa called, I claimed the company was keeping me busy.

I gave her all the freedom she could want.

And I gave Caleb every opportunity to expose himself.

Sure enough, his visits became more frequent.

At first, he brought menus, guest lists, and decorating proposals, pretending every visit was related to the baby's welcome reception.

Before long, he stopped bothering with excuses.

He sometimes stayed for two or three hours, while Margaret personally guarded the hallway and covered for them.

They met so openly that even families in the neighboring suites began whispering that I was being made a fool of.

I didn't care. The bolder they became, the stronger my case grew.

On the day of the welcome reception, the Grand Laurel Hotel ballroom looked beautiful.

There were flowers, balloons, a wall of newborn photographs, and a massive video screen.

Margaret wore an especially festive dress and carried the baby from table to table.

"Look at my grandson. You can tell he was born lucky!"

Her pride was almost impossible to conceal.

Vanessa and Caleb had dressed carefully too.

Standing together, they looked more like the family everyone had gathered to celebrate than I did.

The guest list was enormous, and I greeted everyone personally.

When the program was about to begin, Vanessa disappeared.

I checked my phone and found a message from my assistant, Timothy.

[Mr. Raleigh, they're inside the private lounge.]

A moment later, the secured camera feed appeared on my screen.

Inside the lounge, Vanessa locked the door.

Caleb stepped forward and pulled her into his arms.

"You only finished your recovery program today. Why are you in such a hurry?"

Vanessa playfully struck his shoulder.

"Stop teasing. I missed you.

"I've been waiting for weeks. It's been miserable.

"My breasts are painfully full. Will you help me?"

She opened her blouse and pressed herself toward his mouth.

I had no interest in watching any more.

I lowered my phone and told Timothy to begin the presentation.

At that moment, the baby started crying in his stroller.

The sound wasn't loud, but it cut sharply through the crowded ballroom.

Margaret fumbled with him, yet nothing she did settled him.

A relative asked with a laugh,

"Where's the baby's mother?

"The reception is about to start. Has anyone seen Vanessa?"

Margaret's expression changed, and sweat appeared along her forehead.

"She was here a moment ago. She must be touching up her makeup."

The host turned to me awkwardly.

"Mr. Raleigh, should we wait a few more minutes for your wife?"

More and more guests began looking toward us.

The baby kept crying.

"Daniel, call Vanessa and tell her to hurry."

I didn't move.

Instead, I walked slowly onto the stage and accepted the microphone from the host.

"There's no need to worry, everyone.

"The baby's mother is right here."

The enormous screen in the center of the ballroom suddenly came alive.