Chapter 6: The Reveal

Maybe we were getting too loud, because a woman with a wine glass glided over.

"I think I’ve seen your picture. You’re Mr. Carter, right? I’m Lillian Parker." She clinked her glass against mine with a practiced smile.

I returned the gesture. So this was Miss Parker—poised, sharp, with that old-money confidence. My mom had good taste.

She grinned, teasing, "An extra? Me? Mr. Carter, you could do a lot worse."

"Sorry to drag you into this, Miss Parker," I said.

"This circus has gone on long enough," Natalie cut in. "Caleb, you’re the only actor here. Let’s split on good terms. I’ll ask Derek to go easy on you."

I could only smile, bitter. Hiding my real life for her pride—now, nothing I said would matter.

Miss Parker turned to Natalie, eyes sparkling. "Miss Brooks, you sure you know what you’re losing?"

Natalie scoffed. "Just a freeloader. Be careful, Miss Parker. Don’t let him latch on to you."

Miss Parker just laughed, shaking her head.

I checked my watch and called my assistant: "Why isn’t anyone from the Hall family here yet?"

"Almost there, sir. We’re at the entrance now."

The room went dead quiet. Everyone heard.

Derek puffed up. "You’re more ridiculous by the second. Nobody’s going to impersonate my dad. After tonight, you’ll be lucky if anyone pleads for you."

I ignored him, sipped my wine. The hotel had tried, but the wine was barely decent. The crowd started whispering, but I was done listening.

I glanced at my phone, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. The door swung open.

A hush fell—every neck craned toward the entryway. Even the hotel pianist paused, the last note hanging in the air. For the first time all night, even Natalie looked scared.