…“Is that—Daniel Hayes?” wrk someone whispered, barely able to finish the sentence.

Vanessa stepped forward, her smile perfectly rehearsed.

—

“Well,” she said lightly, “this is quite a surprise.”

—

Emily turned to her.

“Life is full of them,” she replied calmly.

Vanessa’s smile tightened.

The silence stretched.

“Well,” he said, clapping his hands lightly, “this is wonderful. Really. It’s good to see everyone… thriving.”

Emily looked at him.

Really looked at him.

And for a moment—

The past hung between them.

The penthouse.

The cold words.

The quiet exit.

“You’ve done well,” he added, his tone almost patronizing.