Chapter 2 - The Facade of Affection
Dinner at Le Petit Chateaux was a masterclass in psychological warfare. Vanessa sat across from Daniel, sipping a vintage Merlot, looking radiant and entirely devoid of guilt. She laughed at his jokes, reached across the candlelit table to stroke his hand, and spoke text-book words of sympathy about his mother’s "deteriorating condition."
"Maybe it's time we look into a specialized facility for Evelyn," Vanessa suggested smoothly, cutting her steak. "Somewhere quiet. Upstate. They have excellent security. She won't be able to wander off or hurt herself."
Or tell anyone what you did to her, Daniel thought, his teeth grinding behind his smiled lips.
"That sounds expensive," Daniel said, testing the waters. "With the new shipping lanes we’re opening, cash flow is a bit tight this month."
Vanessa’s eyes flashed with a momentary panic, a micro-expression Daniel would have missed a week ago. "Oh, don't worry about the finances, sweetie. You’re a brilliant CEO. You always find a way. Besides, your company is worth more than you think."
Daniel’s phone buzzed in his pocket. A coded text from Marcus: Vance found something. Meet at the safehouse in one hour. Bring the folder.
Daniel wiped his mouth with a napkin, checking his watch. "Darling, I completely forgot. I have an emergency Zoom call with our Tokyo investors. It’s nearly 9 AM there. I need to head to the office for an hour."
Vanessa pouted, leaning forward to reveal her low neckline. "Can't it wait? We were having such a wonderful reunion."
"The Tokyo account secures our Q3 revenue, Vanessa. If I lose it, we lose the house," Daniel said, utilizing her greed against her.
Instantly, her attitude shifted. "Oh. Well, go then. Don't let them slide. I’ll take a cab home and check on your mother."
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"Leave my mother be," Daniel said, perhaps a fraction too sharply. He quickly softened his tone. "She needs deep sleep. Don't wake her."
As he walked out of the restaurant into the cool night air, Daniel felt a nausea so profound he had to lean against a lamppost. He was living with a viper, and he had willingly let her bite the people who loved him most.
