Chapter 2 - The "Acquaintance"
Adrien’s polished exterior snapped into place so quickly it was almost violent. He did not look at my wet blouse. He did not look at the red mark blossoming across my cheek. He looked at the six employees watching him, calculating exactly how much damage control the room required.
Vanessa stepped toward him, her voice dripping with manufactured distress. "Adrien, thank God. This temp was snooping in the executive pantry. She tried to steal your water bottle and then threatened me when I stopped her."
Adrien finally looked at me. His eyes were wide, telegraphing a desperate, silent plea for me to play along, to save his public image, to be the quiet, accommodating wife I had always been.
"Stand down, Vanessa," Adrien said smoothly, his CEO voice filling the room. He turned to the security guards. "There's been a misunderstanding. This woman is... an old family acquaintance of mine. She has a history of—" He paused, letting a look of profound, patronizing pity wash over his face. "Episodes. I gave her a temporary role as a favor to her family, but clearly, she is unwell. Please escort her out of the building."
Vanessa smirked, crossing her arms so the diamonds on her wrist caught the light. "Unbelievable. Mental illness is no excuse for theft."
"You want them to escort me out?" I asked.
My voice was not loud. It did not shake.
"Clare, please," Adrien whispered, stepping close enough that I could smell the peppermint on his breath. "Don't make a scene. Go home. I'll explain everything tonight, I swear to God. Just leave before you ruin my company."
"Your company," I repeated softly.
"Security," Adrien snapped, his panic rising. "Remove her immediately."
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The guards took a step forward.
"They won't," a deep voice echoed from the hallway.
