She stared at me, her eyes promising a war she could no longer afford to fight.

Then, with a stiff turn of her shoulders, she walked past the guards toward the exit.

Claire followed her, weeping openly now, her expensive silk dress rustling loudly in the quiet room.

Daniel paused, looking back at me one last time.

“Maya,” he said. “I loved you.”

“You loved the security my grandfather’s money gave you,” I said.

“You never even knew who I was.”

He closed his mouth, his shoulders slumping as he walked out behind his mother.

The door closed behind them, leaving only Mr. Han and me in the lounge.

I stood there for a moment, the weight of the last three years suddenly lifting from my chest.

The air in the room felt cleaner, lighter.

“Are you alright, Mrs. Arden?” Mr. Han asked quietly.

“I am fine, Mr. Han,” I said, smoothing down the front of my evening gown.

“The guests are waiting for the main announcement,” he said, checking his watch. “The press has arrived.”

“Excellent,” I said. “Let us go down.”