● CHAPTER 1: The Body in the Rain

The Meridian Club looked like a place designed by someone who believed guilt could be hidden under marble.

Claire arrived in a borrowed hospital hoodie, her soaked black suit underneath, her hair still wet, and Nathaniel’s documents sealed inside a plastic medical bag Marco had “accidentally” handed her. She had told herself she was only delivering a warning. She was not getting involved in a billionaire family war. She had rent, student loans, and a succulent named Kevin that was barely surviving.

But then she saw the rooftop.

Hundreds of guests stood beneath glass awnings while rain silvered the skyline beyond them. White roses climbed pillars. Champagne towers glittered. A string quartet played a song that sounded expensive and emotionally vacant. At the far end of the terrace, Amelia Hartwell stood in her wedding gown, pale and perfect, like a woman trapped inside a snow globe.

Beside her was Grant Pierce.

He was handsome in the polished way of magazine covers and warning labels. Tall, blond, smiling with every tooth but no warmth in his eyes. On his wrist was a vintage gold watch.

Claire felt Amelia spot her from across the terrace. The bride’s face changed so quickly most people would have missed it: relief, fear, decision.

Richard Vale appeared at Claire’s side before she had taken five steps.

“You have an astonishing talent for trespassing,” he said.

“And you have an astonishing talent for appearing wherever people nearly die.”

His jaw tightened. “Hand over the documents.”

Claire gave him a sweet smile. “Which documents? The illegal transfer papers? The forged incapacity declaration? Or the ones you’re pretending not to know about?”

Richard leaned closer. “You’re out of your depth, Ms. Monroe.”

That stopped her.

“How do you know my name?”

For one second, his expression betrayed him. He had not meant to reveal that.

Before Claire could press him, applause rose. The officiant had begun. Amelia and Grant stood beneath the floral arch. Grant took Amelia’s hands, lifting them for the guests to admire. The gold watch flashed under the lights.

Claire pushed past Richard.

“Amelia!” she called.

Half the terrace turned.

Grant’s smile did not move. “Who is that?”

Amelia looked at Claire, then at the watch. Her hands shook.

“Amelia,” Grant said softly, his voice still carrying through the microphone clipped to his lapel. “Darling, focus.”

Claire stepped into the aisle. “Your father said the watch proves it.”

A murmur spread through the guests.

Grant laughed lightly. “My future father-in-law is ill. This woman is confused.”

Then Amelia did something no one expected. She reached for Grant’s wrist.

His smile vanished.

“Don’t,” he whispered.