Chapter 2 - THE NAME THAT CHANGED ETHAN'S FACE
“Start talking.”
Ethan Parker stared at Claire as though she had just asked him to confess to a murder.
Around them, the Grand Astor ballroom continued its carefully choreographed celebration. The orchestra began another song. Waiters carried silver trays between tables. Three hundred guests smiled beneath chandeliers worth more than Claire's annual salary.
But Ethan wasn't smiling anymore.
“Claire,” he said quietly, “you need to stop asking questions.”
She folded her arms.
“Interesting. That's exactly what you used to say when I found charges on our credit card you couldn't explain.”
His eyes narrowed.
“This isn't funny.”
“I wasn't trying to be funny.”
The blonde woman accompanying him approached.
She was tall, elegant, and wearing a silver gown that probably cost more than Claire's rent.
“Ethan?” she asked. “Is everything all right?”
Ethan immediately rearranged his expression.
“Of course, sweetheart.”
Claire almost laughed.
The word sweetheart had once belonged to her.
Apparently Ethan recycled everything.
The blonde looked at Claire.
“I'm Madison.”
“Claire.”
Madison smiled politely.
“Are you one of the event planners?”
“Senior event coordinator.”
“Oh, wonderful. Everything looks beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
Ethan stepped between them.
“Madison, why don't you get us another drink?”
Madison hesitated.
Then nodded.
When she walked away, Claire looked at Ethan.
“You still haven't answered my question.”
He leaned closer.
“Vincent Hail is not someone you approach casually.”
“Why?”
“Because he's dangerous.”
Claire glanced toward the private elevators.
“He seemed perfectly polite.”
Ethan gave a short, humorless laugh.
“That doesn't mean anything.”
“Then tell me what he does.”
Ethan looked around.
“Lower your voice.”
Claire stared.
The man who once criticized her for being too quiet was now begging her not to speak.
“What are you afraid of?” she asked.
His face hardened.
“Just stay away from him.”
Then he walked away.
Claire watched him go.
May you like
For the first time in eleven months, Ethan Parker had failed to control a conversation.
And she had the strangest feeling that the evening was only beginning.
