Chapter 5

Victoria suggested we move to the private lounge after dinner.

I followed.

There was music.

Drinks.

Soft lighting.

Several business guests.

Adrian introduced me to two executives from his firm.

One of them recognized my name.

Not because of my marriage.

Because of business.

He stared at me.

“Daniel Mercer?”

“Yes.”

“Are you related to the Mercer group?”

I smiled.

“Something like that.”

He frowned.

Before he could ask more, Victoria interrupted.

“He’s not involved in anything interesting.”

The executive looked uncertain.

Adrian laughed.

“Don’t worry. Daniel has been very good at staying invisible.”

I almost smiled.

Invisible.

That had been the point.

For years, I had lived quietly.

I wanted to know who people were when they thought I had nothing.

Victoria had shown me.

Adrian was about to.

He pulled me aside.

“I want to ask you something.”

“Go ahead.”

“Are you angry with Victoria?”

“Why?”

“Because of us.”

I laughed softly.

“You’re assuming I care.”

“Don’t you?”

“No.”

He looked surprised.

Then asked:

“Do you want her back?”

I looked toward Victoria.

She was laughing with her friends.

“No.”

“Why?”

“Because I know who she is now.”

He became quiet.

Then said:

“She’s very different with me.”

“Enjoy that.”

I walked away.

He watched me.

For the first time that night, I saw uncertainty on his face.