Daniel turned to her. “Melissa, just give me a second.”
I handed him the envelope. “You should read page four first. It explains what happens if you try to hide assets after being notified.”
His hand trembled as he took it. “You set me up?”
I almost laughed. “No, Daniel. You set yourself up. I just stopped covering for you.”
That struck harder than anything else I said. For years, I had made him look better than he was. I remembered every dinner where I excused his lateness, every family holiday where I softened his temper, every work event where I smiled beside him while he took credit for my connections. I had mistaken loyalty for love and silence for strength. Chicago taught me the difference.
Melissa looked between us, then down at the papers. “Is this true? The money too?”
Daniel didn’t answer fast enough.
That was all she needed. Her expression hardened, and she stepped away from him entirely. “You told me your marriage was basically over. You said everything between you two was paperwork.”
“It is paperwork,” I said evenly. “Now.”
She stared at him for another second, then grabbed her purse and disappeared into the crowd without another word.
Daniel moved closer, lowering his voice. “Claire, we can talk at home.”
