CHAPTER 1: A Teddy Bear Under Crystal Light

The chandelier in Moretti House made even fear look expensive.
Light fell over the black-and-white marble foyer, over the twin staircases, over the white roses arranged for the engagement dinner that was supposed to announce Vivienne Vale as the future Mrs. Moretti.
At the center of that perfect room stood Lily Moretti in a pale blue dress, clutching a worn teddy bear against her chest.
She was six years old, small enough to disappear behind the housekeeper's gray skirt, and frightened enough that her breath came in little broken pieces.
Elena Ruiz knelt beside her, one arm around the child, the other holding a phone she had not been allowed to use.
Across the foyer, Vivienne stood in a pearl-white gown, diamonds at her throat, anger hidden beneath a smile sharp enough for guests to mistake as grace.
'You had no right to call him,' Vivienne said.
Elena looked at the little girl shaking against her side.
'She was crying for her father.'
Vivienne's smile vanished.
'Then she should learn that fathers do not come running for tantrums.'