Marjorie was an invited guest.

She knew what we had sent because I had told her, but she had not been instructed to stage a reveal or carry the boys into the room.

I would learn what happened from her afterward.

I wasn’t there to hear the guests or watch Claire’s face.

What follows was her account, supported in its central point by Daniel’s own acknowledgment when he responded later.

A staff member brought the box to Daniel near the place cards.