Chapter 5
Naomi Price answered on the first ring.
That alone nearly broke Claire.
Some people answer because they are paid to.
Naomi answered because she had been waiting for this call.
Claire stepped farther down the corridor, close enough to keep Ethan and Lily’s voices within recording distance but far enough that her own whisper would not carry.
“Naomi, freeze every transfer connected to my marriage.”
Her voice almost failed on the word marriage.
Naomi did not ask if Claire was sure.
She did not waste time with shock.
“I’m doing it now. Don’t confront them—keep recording.”
Claire closed her eyes.
The hallway smelled of antiseptic and fresh flowers.
Behind her, the roses lay damaged on the floor.
Inside the room, Ethan murmured something Claire could not make out.
Lily laughed softly.
Claire wanted to turn around and scream.
Instead, she listened to Naomi’s quiet typing through the phone.
“Claire,” Naomi said, “do not tell them what you heard.”
Claire swallowed.
“I’m standing outside the door.”
“Then become whatever they expect to see.”
That sentence steadied her.
What did Ethan expect?
A trusting wife.
A generous sister.
A woman too heartbroken to think clearly.
Claire wiped both cheeks.
Then she picked up the bouquet.
The petals were bruised.
So was she.
May you like
Both could still be carried into the room.
Read the full story 👉 Naomi did not tell Claire to fight in the hallway; she told her to keep recording and let the betrayal continue speaking.
