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Three facts.

No orders. No demand that I run. Only the truth and the reminder that the choice is mine.

It’s far more than I’ve been given by the other people who claim to love me, seated around this table.

Christopher scrolls to another photograph.

“They can arrange private dining on the beach, Susan. How wonderful.”

“How romantic,” Mum says.

They all look at me, and I’d usually agree with them with a fake smile. Good Alice. Compliant Alice. Sitting quietly with a fancy diamond on her finger while everyone plans her future around her.

My heart is pounding so loud, I’m surprised they can’t hear it.

Red and purple.

I meant it. I want it. It’s where my soul craves to be.

Yet a small part of me has spent all day trying to explain away what Jack told me. Not Christopher, he’s been a liar from the start, but Dad is different. Dad isn’t that kind of man.

Dad loves Bryce. He’s known him since we were kids, promoted him and called him part of the family. And that has to be worth something. Has to be.

He promised not to fire him.

Perhaps Bryce resigned for reasons Jack doesn’t understand. Perhaps Dad intends to tell me tonight.

It’s my final hope for any kind of family salvation.

I put down my fork, I can’t do this anymore.

“How’s Bryce doing?” I ask the table.

Christopher’s finger stills against his phone. Dad continues cutting his sea bass.

“That’s quite a strange question out of nowhere, Alice.”

“Just crossed my mind.” I fake a laugh. “Haven’t heard about him in ages. With Christopher being gone for so long on our honeymoon, I’m sure he’s going to have a lot on his plate.”

“He’s very well,” Dad says. “Doing excellently, as always.”

“Is he?”

I have to control my hands from shaking.

“Yes, yes. Extremely busy.”

“With work?”

“Of course.” Dad looks at me. Right at me.

Christopher puts down his phone.

“He’s going to be at the wedding, isn’t he?” I ask.

Mum gives me a smile.

“I should hope so, darling. It wouldn’t feel right without him!”