Chapter 1: The Question That Changed Everything
Chapter 1: The Question That Changed Everything
The young man stopped only a few feet away.
His smile never faded.
"Grandfather," he said smoothly, slipping both hands into his pockets. "You're making a scene over a servant."
A ripple spread through the ballroom.
Claire's entire body stiffened.
Richard Hawthorne didn't answer immediately.
Instead, he studied the young man with the same cold expression he reserved for hostile business negotiations.
"Did you touch her?"
The young man shrugged.
"I pushed her away after she embarrassed my fiancée."
A woman in an emerald gown immediately stepped forward.
"She stole my diamond bracelet," Vanessa declared. "Everyone saw her standing near my purse."
Several guests nodded uncertainly.
Claire shook her head so hard tears spilled onto Richard's sleeve.
"I didn't take anything."
Vanessa folded her arms.
"Then explain why security found you in the hallway."
"I was running away."
"Exactly."
Richard finally spoke.
"No."
The single word echoed across the silent ballroom.
"She was running because someone was chasing her."
Every face turned toward him.
Richard's eyes never left his grandson.
"Answer me one last time, Ethan."
"Did."
"You."
"Lay."
"A."
"Hand."
"On."
"Her?"
Ethan laughed.
"She's a maid. I barely touched her."
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The sound of Richard's cane striking the marble floor made everyone jump.
"You've just made the biggest mistake of your life."
