She stood rigid, her manicured fingers clutching her designer purse so tightly the leather creaked.

“Daniel,” Vivian said, her voice dropping to a harsh whisper. “Have you lost your mind? You are begging this girl.”

“Mother, be quiet,” Daniel said without looking back.

“She is your wife,” Vivian said, her voice rising slightly despite her attempt to keep it quiet. “She lives under our roof. She has a duty to this family.”

Claire stood next to her mother, her arms crossed, her eyes darting between the auditor near the entrance and her brother’s begging form.

“This is embarrassing,” Claire muttered, her voice shaking. “Everyone is looking at us.”

They were indeed looking.

The whispers among the nearby guests were growing louder, like the rustling of dry leaves in a sudden breeze.

The name “Mercer” was being murmured, followed by “Lotus Bay” and “seizure.”

Mr. Vance, the chief auditor, was now walking slowly toward our corner of the ballroom.

He was flanked by two security officers from the resort, but he wasn’t looking at them.

His eyes were fixed on Daniel.