The grateful outsider.
The disposable wife.
“I know exactly what I’m talking about,” I continued. “And so did Daniel.”
Grant laughed too loudly. Too quickly.
“That’s insane.”
“No,” I replied calmly. “Insane was forging Daniel’s signature on business loans. Insane was funneling money through your fake charity foundation. Insane was altering beneficiary documents after Daniel refused to cover your gambling debt.”
Vivian’s hand flew to her pearls.
Aunt Marlene whispered shakily, “Vivian…?”
“Be quiet,” Vivian snapped viciously.
That single moment did more damage to her image than anything I could’ve said.
The mask slipped.
Everyone saw it.
Then Daniel’s phone buzzed in my hand.
A scheduled notification appeared on the screen.
For Elena. If they try something at the funeral, play this.
My throat tightened so painfully I could barely breathe.
Even dead, Daniel had predicted them perfectly.
My fingers trembled as I pressed play.
And suddenly his voice filled the chapel.
Alive.
Warm.
Tired.
“If you’re hearing this,” Daniel said, “Mom probably decided grief wasn’t enough and tried to destroy Elena too.”
