Michael had told her that Arthur was wealthy enough to support them both, that their plan was justified, and that Claire would eventually be free to live however she wanted.
But the documents suggested something much darker.
Her father hadn’t simply wanted money.
He wanted control.
And he had been willing to use his daughter to obtain it.
“Why would he do this to me?” Claire whispered.
Arthur’s expression softened slightly.
“Because desperation can make people selfish. But understanding why someone behaves badly doesn’t excuse what they do.”
She sank onto the edge of the bed.
For the first time that night, the confidence disappeared from her face.
“What happens now?”
Arthur stood.
“Now, we let the evidence speak.”
He walked toward the door.
Claire hurried after him.
“You can’t leave me like this!”
He stopped.
“Claire, you entered this marriage intending to deceive me. You brought recording equipment into our bedroom and prepared materials designed to support a false accusation. What exactly were you expecting me to do?”
