Chapter 1 - THE DAUGHTER HE DIDN’T RECOGN.
Ethan raised one furious arm toward Claire, but she dropped beside Lucy before he could reach them.
The eight-year-old clung to her red gown.
“She was protecting me from you.”
Mrs. Whitmore stepped between Ethan and the child.
“Step away. You’ve shown everyone who you are.”
Ethan still advanced, calling Lucy a manipulative hotel charity case who had stolen from the bridal suite. Claire rose and drove him backward with one controlled defensive movement. He lost balance and fell safely onto the marble.
She stopped several feet away.
“You will never frighten my daughter again.”
Ethan stared up at her.
“Your daughter?”
The guests began whispering.
Claire pulled a silver hospital bracelet from her purse. Lucy’s name and birth date were printed beside Claire’s.
Ethan’s arrogance faltered.
“That’s impossible.”
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Mrs. Whitmore looked toward the ballroom security monitor.
“No, Ethan. The impossible part is that your family made both of them believe the baby died.”
