The Girl at Her Father's Party

Chapter 1 - The Note In His Hand

The little girl looked completely out of place beneath the crystal lights.

She reached toward the table.

A woman in a burgundy evening gown immediately slapped her hand away.

"Hey! Don't touch that, you dirty kid."

The girl pulled her hand against her chest.

"I just wanted one piece."

Several guests turned.

Nobody moved.

Until Adrian Vale stepped forward.

"Then give her mine."

Vanessa turned sharply.

"Adrian—"

He ignored her.

He cut a generous slice, placed it on a white plate, and crouched in front of the child.

"It's yours."

The girl stared at him.

"Really?"

"Really. You're safe here."

Something about those words made her expression change.

She accepted the plate.

But she didn't eat.

Instead, she reached into her old coat and pulled out a tiny folded piece of paper.

She placed it in Adrian's palm.

"My mom said I'd find you here."

Adrian's smile disappeared.

"Who is your mother?"

The girl looked suddenly frightened.

Before answering, she pointed toward the paper.

Adrian opened it.

Only one sentence was written inside.

If Lily reaches you, then I couldn't anymore. Please don't punish her for what you believe I did. - Claire

Adrian stopped breathing.

Claire.

The name he had refused to hear for seven years.

The woman he had once planned to marry.

The woman he believed had stolen nearly two million dollars from his family foundation before disappearing without explanation.

Vanessa noticed his face.

"What is it?"

Adrian folded the note immediately.

He looked at the girl.

"Lily?"

She nodded.

"Where is your mother?"

Her eyes filled with tears.

"She told me not to come back without you."

"Where is she?"

Lily finally lifted the untouched cake.

"Can I eat first?"

Adrian stared at the starving child.

Then at the woman in burgundy who had just called her dirty.

Something cold entered his expression.

"Yes."

He pulled out the chair beside his own.

"You're eating with me."

Vanessa's face tightened.

Because unlike the other guests, she knew exactly who Claire was.

And she knew why Claire had finally sent the girl.