“Listen, Claire,” he began, skipping the greeting. “My father’s in a foul mood today. Don’t do that thing where you act socially awkward. Just don’t embarrass me tonight.”

I stood in the living room doorway, my eyes on the black-shrouded frame waiting in the center of the floor.

“I wouldn’t dream of embarrassing you, Daniel,” I said softly.

“Good. And make sure Vanessa is seated to my father’s right. She’s been incredibly stressed dealing with the charity gala preparations. She needs to feel pampered.”

Stressed from moving stolen funds offshore, no doubt.

“How thoughtful of you to notice,” I purred.