Chapter 4 - Claire Bennett Returns To The Estate Completely Unaware
An hour later, the sleek white BMW coupe belonging to Claire Bennett purred smoothly up the winding private driveway of the estate.
Claire stepped out into the crisp evening air, smoothing down her designer silk dress and checking her reflection in the rearview mirror.
She carried a wicker basket filled with vintage French wines, perfectly curated for the wedding menu tasting scheduled for that evening.
Walking up the grand stone steps of the front portico, she expected to find the usual quiet, orderly aristocratic routine.
Instead, the heavy oak double doors swung open instantly before she could even reach for the antique brass knocker.
Standing in the grand foyer was Dominic Vale, flanked by two towering security guards whose hands rested casually near their holsters.
“Dom, darling! You’re back from Atlantic City early,” Claire chirped, flashing her most practiced, radiant engagement smile.
She took two steps forward, holding out the wine basket as if nothing in the world was amiss across the property.
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“The vineyard in Napa sent these over for our tasting tonight. Isn’t that wonderful?” she continued, her voice unnaturally bright.
Dominic did not move an inch. He simply stared at her with eyes as dead and unyielding as winter stone.
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