Claire made a genuine effort to understand the parts of Daniel's life that mattered.
She attended a school fundraiser with him.
She helped organize a birthday dinner for Sophie.
And she treated Evelyn with visible respect.
But her feelings were complicated.
She admired Daniel.
She enjoyed his company.
She liked the security his life appeared to offer.
And she knew his mother was encouraging the relationship.
Sometimes she wondered whether she was being chosen for who she was or because Evelyn had decided she belonged.
The question became harder to ignore when Evelyn began paying her more generously for consulting work.
Some assignments were legitimate.
Others were vague.
Private event planning.
Family reputation advice.
Social scheduling.
Claire accepted the money.
Her father needed medical care.
The printing business was in danger.
And she told herself that wealthy families paid enormous amounts for services that seemed trivial to everyone else.
As long as the work remained legal and honest, there was no reason to refuse.
Then Evelyn requested a private meeting.
It took place in the library of the Bennett mansion.
Claire arrived expecting another event contract.
Instead, Evelyn closed the door.
Sat opposite her.
And asked a question that changed everything.
"How serious are you about Daniel?"
Claire frowned.
"Serious?"
"Do you love him?"
The question caught her off guard.
She considered it.
"I care about him."
Evelyn watched carefully.
"That's not the same thing."
Claire looked down.
"No."
The older woman leaned forward.
"Daniel is still emotionally attached to his former wife."
Claire felt a painful tightening in her chest.
She had suspected it.
Sometimes Daniel mentioned Mara with respect.
Sometimes he became quiet when Sophie described something her parents used to do together.
And whenever Mara attended a school event, Claire noticed a change in his expression.
Not desire exactly.
Something older.
More complicated.
Evelyn continued.
"If you want a future with my son, he needs a reason to stop looking backward."
Claire stared.
"What kind of reason?"
The older woman took a slow breath.
"A family."
Claire frowned.
"He already has Sophie."
"Another child."
Claire looked toward her hands.
She had not discussed pregnancy with Daniel.
Not seriously.
Their relationship was still relatively new.