Page 227 of My Husband’s New Fiancée

“As for me...”

His fingers close slightly around the microphone.

“I owe her an apology.”

Absolute silence falls over the auditorium.

“When the world collapsed around us, I was not always worthy of the trust she placed in me.”

He takes a slow breath.

“I cannot change what happened.”

A second passes.

“But I can say this in front of every one of you. There is no one in this company whose work, courage, and integrity I respect more.”

For a fraction of a second, no one moves.

Then someone starts clapping.

Another joins in.

Then the entire room rises to its feet.

The auditorium erupts into applause.

I keep my eyes fixed straight ahead.

Because if I look at Dante right now, I will see far more than a CEO standing on a stage.

I will see the man who never truly let me go.

62. Checkmate

Wald

Same day

I board my private jet minutes before takeoff.

The smell of leather. The muted hum of the engines. The comfort of expensive routine.

I settle into my seat. The flight attendant smiles and offers me a glass of champagne, which I accept without hesitation.

Everything is under control.

My phone rings.

Bruno Lacluse. My contact within the police.

I answer immediately.

“What is it?”

“Bianca Fabre and Peltier made a deal with the prosecutor on Thursday,” he replies tensely.

I absorb the information without moving.