Chapter 2: Whose Side Are You On
Eleanor reached the bottom of the stairs like she owned every inch of the floor beneath her.
She didn't look at Claire.
She looked at Ethan.
"Don't let her manipulate you," Eleanor said calmly.
"She came here to cause exactly this."
Ethan didn't answer.
He kept his eyes on Claire.
"Can you stand?" he asked quietly.
Claire nodded.
Barely.
He helped her to her feet — and the moment she was upright, Eleanor stepped closer.
"She's been lying to you for two years, Ethan.
Everything out of her mouth tonight is a performance."
Claire's head snapped up.
"Then why are you so afraid of what I was about to say?"
Silence.
The maid hadn't moved.
Neither had the guests.
Eleanor's expression didn't crack — but something behind her eyes did.
"Say it then," Eleanor said.
"Go ahead."
Claire opened her mouth.
And Ethan's hand tightened on her arm.
Not to support her.
To stop her.
Claire looked at him.
Really looked at him.
"Ethan." Her voice dropped to almost nothing.
"Whose side are you on?"
He didn't answer.
In the hallway, one of the guests slowly pulled out their phone — not to call anyone.
May you like
To record.
They had been recording since Eleanor smiled.
