He reached for a glass of champagne from a passing server’s tray.

He drank half of it in one swallow.

“The catering tonight is exquisite, by the way,” Derek said, desperate to steer the conversation away from the stairs.

“Chef Laura is wonderful,” I agreed.

“I didn’t know you used premium caterers for small dinners, Derek,” Richard noted.

“Only the best for our guests, Richard,” Derek said, his smile returning, though it looked painted on.

“Monica insisted on it,” Derek added, giving me a look that promised a long discussion later.

“I wanted everything to be perfect tonight,” I said.

“Especially the details,” I added.

I looked toward the kitchen, where Laura was plating the first course.

She caught my eye through the pass-through window and gave a single, firm nod.

Everything was in place.

“Excuse me for just a moment,” I said to Richard and Clara.

“I need to check on the dining room seating.”

“Of course, my dear,” Richard said.

He was still watching me, his legal mind analyzing the pieces I had just dropped on the table.