Chapter 12: Richard's Explanation

Eleanor’s library was a fortress of mahogany and leather, smelling of lemon polish and old money. I knew the computer was there—a sleek, modern terminal hidden inside a roll-top desk from the 1800s.

But I couldn't just walk in. The library was Eleanor’s sanctum. Even Richard knocked.

I retreated to the kitchen, my mind racing. I needed a reason. A distraction.

The back door opened, and Richard walked in.

He looked tired, his tie loosened, the top button of his shirt undone. He carried a small velvet box in his hand.

"Hey," he said softly. "I saw your car in the driveway. I thought you were at the office."

"I forgot some files," I said, leaning against the counter to hide the trembling in my legs. "What are you doing home?"

"I felt terrible about last night. About snapping at you." He walked over and placed the box on the island between us. "I know you're stressed. I know Eleanor is... difficult. I just wanted to say I appreciate you."

He opened the box. Inside, a diamond tennis bracelet glittered under the recessed lighting. It was exquisite. Tasteful. Expensive.

"Richard," I said, staring at the diamonds. "This must have cost a fortune."

"You're worth it," he said, coming around the island to kiss my cheek. "It's an apology. And a promise. I'll handle the insurance thing. I called Simon this morning. He said it's just a legacy data issue from when Dad died. He's scrubbing the file now."

"He is?"

"Yeah. Gone. Poof." He smiled, that easy, boyish grin that had made me fall in love with him. "So you can stop worrying. Stop digging. Just wear the bracelet and let me take care of you."

He picked up the bracelet and fastened it around my wrist. The clasp clicked shut, cold and heavy. A shackle.

"It's beautiful," I whispered.

"I picked it up on my way back from the site. I wanted to surprise you."

"That was thoughtful."

"I try." He kissed my hand. "I'm going to go check on Cat. Greta said she's having a bad day."

"I know," I said. "I saw her."

Richard froze. His hand tightened on mine. "You saw her?"

"Just now. I took over some linens. She seemed... upset."

"Did she say anything?"

"No," I lied. "She just told me to get out."

Richard exhaled, a long, shaky breath. "Yeah. She gets like that. It's best to leave her alone."

He squeezed my hand one last time and walked out the back door, heading toward the guest house.

I looked down at the bracelet. It was stunning. It was a bribe.

I picked up the velvet box to put it away. As I lifted the plush insert, a folded piece of paper fluttered out.

The receipt.

He hadn't picked it up on the way home. The timestamp was from yesterday morning. Before our fight. Before the insurance glitch.

And the payment method wasn't his credit card. It wasn't the joint account.

*Paid by: C. Vane Trust.*

*Authorized by: C. Vane.*

Catherine had bought my apology gift.