I caught the flicker in Daniel’s eyes — the one that said she’s slipping out of my control.
Later, Daniel took the stage. He was in his element, delivering a speech smooth as glass, Vanessa smiling perfectly from the sidelines.
Then Richard stepped forward. “Before we close, I’d like to invite someone who helped lay the foundation for… well, the foundation itself — Evelyn Whitmore.”
A ripple of surprise moved through the crowd. Daniel’s jaw stiffened.
As I walked toward the stage, he stepped in my path just enough for our shoulders to almost touch.
Daniel: “If you say one word to embarrass me—”
Me: “Daniel… I don’t need to embarrass you. You’re doing fine on your own.”
