Chapter 19 - THE SECOND DINNER
The next evening, they returned to the restaurant.
The same table waited for them.
The same golden lights.
The same city skyline.
But everything felt different.
Ethan wore a black suit.
Claire wore a deep emerald dress.
They sat across from each other.
A waiter placed two menus on the table.
Claire smiled.
"Do you remember the last time we were here?"
Ethan sighed.
"Unfortunately."
"You screamed at me."
"I know."
"You made me pay."
"I know."
"You embarrassed me."
"I know."
Claire smiled.
"Good."
Then a waiter approached.
He placed a folded white napkin between them.
Ethan and Claire looked at each other.
Neither touched it.
Claire slowly unfolded it.
Inside was a message.
You are sitting at the wrong table.
She looked around.
Every table appeared normal.
Then Ethan noticed an elderly man sitting near the window.
He looked familiar.
Claire stared at him.
Her face turned pale.
"Dad."
The man looked up.
Daniel Morgan.
Alive.
He stood and walked toward them.
Claire couldn't move.
"Why?"
Daniel looked at Ethan.
"Because your father and I made a deal twenty years ago."
Richard had never mentioned him.
Daniel sat down.
"The money wasn't stolen."
Ethan frowned.
"Then what happened?"
Daniel looked at Claire.
"Your father moved it."
"Why?"
"To protect you."
Claire felt tears gather in her eyes.
"From whom?"
Daniel's expression became serious.
"From the person who has been controlling both families."
The restaurant suddenly became silent.
Every waiter stopped moving.
Daniel leaned closer.
"Your mother."
Claire froze.
"What?"
Daniel whispered.
May you like
"She's alive too."
Claire's entire world seemed to collapse.
