Chapter 3
The clatter of crystal glasses and the low hum of affluent conversations provided a rhythmic backdrop to the Christmas Eve festivities. Audrey stood agonizingly still near the towering Christmas tree, offering a silver tray of champagne to passing guests. She watched Vanessa glide effortlessly through the crowd, her emerald satin gown shimmering. Vanessa was a predator in a room full of wolves, completely unbothered by the fact that she was actively betraying the most dangerous man in the city with his own blood.
"You are looking exceptionally radiant tonight, Vanessa," a wealthy donor complimented, smiling broadly.
"Thank you, Richard," Vanessa replied, her accent dripping with affluent charm. "Gideon and I are entirely committed to building a beautiful legacy together. Tonight is a celebration of that future."
"And where is Evan tonight?" the donor asked casually. "I haven't seen your future brother-in-law."
"He was delayed by the snow, I imagine," Vanessa lied smoothly, not missing a beat. "He sent his deepest regrets."
Audrey’s stomach churned violently at the flawless deception. She looked down at the marble floor, praying to remain invisible.
Before she could retreat to the kitchens, a small, cheerful figure bounded past the velvet sofas.
Three-year-old Milo Whitmore, Gideon’s toddler son, was navigating the crowded room with bright, innocent enthusiasm. The motherless boy possessed soft round cheeks, fair skin, and a small, endearing curl of dark hair resting just above his forehead. He was dressed impeccably in a cream cable-knit sweater featuring a little reindeer appliqué, brown corduroy dungarees, and soft ankle boots. In his small hands, he carried two small stuffed rabbits.
"Auntie 'Nessa!" Milo announced happily, walking right up to the woman in the emerald gown.
"Hello, little one," Vanessa said, offering a tight, polished smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Are you enjoying the party?"
May you like
"Rabbits playing," Milo declared, holding up the two stuffed toys.
Audrey watched the interaction with a deep, aching terror. Milo had been in the hallway outside the bedroom the day before. The toddler had wandered in just as Vanessa and Evan were pulling apart. Vanessa had immediately crouched down, forcing a sickly sweet smile, and told the three-year-old that what he saw was a special "secret game."
