Page 27 of Enduring Promise

Hillary’s jaw clenched, a surge of rage washing over her. Every fiber of her being wanted to lash out, to strip away every ounce of Michael’s ego until he was left trembling and hollow. But instead, she forced herself to take a slow breath, turning halfway toward him with a small, almost pitying smile.

“You know,” she said lightly, her tone dripping with mock sweetness, “it just makes the chase more fun. Absence makes the heart grow fonder, doesn’t it?”

Michael’s expression darkened, but before he could respond, Hillary turned fully and resumed walking, her arm still looped protectively around Claire’s. Michael followed behind them in silence, his footsteps heavy against the gravel path.

As they approached the house, the warm glow of the party lights spilling onto the terrace, Russ appeared at the door, a fresh drink in hand and an easy smile on his face. His casual demeanor was a stark contrast to the tension simmering between the three of them.

“There you are,” Russ said, his tone cheerful as he handed the drink to Michael. “Your absence has been noticed. I was just about to come find you.”

Michael accepted the drink with a mumbled thanks, clearly still stewing in his irritation. Russ turned to Claire with a nod. “Madame Fournier was asking for you. She wanted to introduce you to a few people—said they’d love to hear about the work you’re doing.”

“This party is insufferable,” he muttered, his eyes narrowing with disdain. “It’s so... indulgent. A bunch of overdressed people pretending their lives are more important than they really are. Completely detached from anything of substance.”

Claire smiled politely, her fingers lightly brushing his arm, but there was a stiffness in her posture. “I think it’s nice,” she offered gently. “It’s a chance for people to connect and support causes that matter.”

Michael scoffed, his laugh humorless. “These people don’t care about causes. They care about being seen. It’s all a façade. The real work happens behind closed doors, not in rooms like this. And certainly not over champagne and listening to terrible music.”

They stepped back inside. The sound of soft classical music swirled through the grand room as Michael’s gaze darted around, his disinterest in the party evident in the way his lip curled at the sight of well-dressed guests chatting and laughing. He leaned closer to Claire, his voice low but still laced with irritation

Hillary, who was standing nearby with Russ, sipped her drink and kept her gaze on the crowd, pretending not to hear. Russ shifted, his hand resting lightly on the small of Hillary’s back as a subtle reassurance.

Michael exhaled sharply, turning his full attention to Claire. “I’ve had enough of this.” he said bluntly. “We’re going to leave in the morning. First thing.”

Claire blinked, startled. “Leave? I’m supposed to be here for three more days. I’ve made plans with my grandmother.”

“Oh please,” he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I’m sure your grandmother can find someone else to listen to her stories and shop for things she doesn’t need. I’ll call and arrange the jet tonight. We’ll leave first thing in the morning. I’ve wasted enough time here, and frankly, so have you.”

Claire hesitated, glancing toward Hillary and Russ as if searching for a lifeline. “I’m expected to?—"

Michael cut her off, his voice hardening. “This place is a distraction, Claire. You’ve been away from the work for too long. You’re losing focus, letting yourself get caught up in... whatever this is.” He gestured vaguely to the party, his disdain palpable. “We’re better than this.”

Claire swallowed hard, forcing a small smile. “Okay,” she said softly. “If that’s what you think is best.”

Michael’s expression softened slightly, his hand brushing her shoulder. “It is. Let’s finish up here, go to bed, and leave all ofthis behind in the morning. No one on this planet knows you better than I do. You don’t belong here.”

Hillary stepped forward, her face composed. “Have you seen Madame Fournier?” she asked with feigned surprise. “She’s insisting on ensuring you are mingling with some of the influential guests here. Plenty of opportunities to talk about your work.”

Michael barely glanced at her, his focus still on Claire. “I don’t need to mingle with these people,” he said dismissively. “My work speaks for itself.”

Russ let out a low chuckle, drawing Michael’s attention. “Of course it does,” Russ said, his tone easy but laced with subtle challenge. “But a little networking never hurts. You never know who might have the resources to help push things forward.”

“We’re leaving in the morning,” Claire announced with a forced smile.

Michael nodded, his tension easing slightly at her acquiescence. “That’s right. We are. So let’s just get through this torture session so we can get to bed.”

As Michael turned away, Hillary exchanged a quick glance with Russ. Her eyes conveyed the urgency of the situation, the silent understanding that they had to act fast before morning arrived.

Russ lowered his voice. “He’s going to be so pissed when he’s told he’s sleeping alone on the other side of the house with about four valets ready to keep him in his room and away from Claire.”

“I want to wring his neck,” Hillary hissed. “We cannot let him leave with Claire in the morning. Something has to be done tonight.”

“You know that Claire is the only one who can get what she needs to protect herself. She has to be the one to get him to admit what he did and record it. He’ll never admit it to anyone else.”

“I know.” Hillary bit nervously at her lip. “Which means they’ll have to be alone at some point tonight. I have no idea how we can make that work.”

“I think Madame Fournier might have a few suggestions.”

CHAPTER 27

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