Chapter 3

Andrew smiled politely at the council member, took the microphone, and said, "Thank you. If you'll just excuse me for one moment."

He stepped off the stage and walked directly toward the commotion. The crowd parted for him like the Red Sea. He didn't stop until he was standing right beside me.

He wrapped a protective arm around my shoulders, his hand warm and steady on my arm. He looked down at me, his eyes filled with concern that was real, not feigned for an audience.

"Darling, are you alright?" he asked, his voice low but clear in the quiet room. Then he looked up, his gaze falling on Matthew and Sabrina. "Who are these people bothering you?"

Matthew's jaw dropped. He stared from Andrew to me and back again, his mind visibly struggling to process the scene.

"Mr. Lester," he stammered, "you... you know this woman? She's... she's unstable. A compulsive liar."

Sabrina, clinging to Matthew's arm, quickly added her poison. "She's my stepsister, Mr. Lester. She has a history of erratic behavior. She's not who she appears to be. You shouldn't be deceived by her."

Andrew's expression, which had been one of mild concern, turned to ice. The warmth vanished from his eyes, replaced by a chilling coldness that made the air around us seem to drop ten degrees.

He looked directly at Sabrina.

"Deceived? I assure you, Mrs. Scott, I am not the one who is deceived here."

He turned his gaze to the assembled crowd, his voice resonating with an authority that commanded absolute attention.

"For those of you who don't know," he announced, "this is Dr. Jocelyn Fuller. My wife."

A collective gasp went through the room. Matthew looked as if he'd been struck by lightning.

"Dr. Fuller," Andrew continued, his voice sharp, "is the lead architectural historian whose groundbreaking research is the very cornerstone of the national landmark project we are celebrating tonight."