"Then stop behaving as though you're the victim."
Claire closed her eyes.
"I didn't say I was."
"You accepted the agreement."
"I know."
"And the money."
"Yes."
"Then fulfill your obligations."
Claire stared.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Evelyn softened her voice.
"After the celebration, Daniel will be much more emotionally invested. We'll finalize the necessary family arrangements, and then we can manage the rest."
Claire swallowed.
"Manage how?"
"We'll discuss that when the time comes."
The answer frightened her.
But she did not demand clarification.
She had already accepted too much.
Now she was afraid that revealing the truth would destroy not only her relationship but also her career, her finances, and her family's reputation.
So she continued.
And the lie grew until it filled every room she entered.
Evelyn planned the pregnancy celebration personally.
She hired decorators.
Selected the menu.
Approved the guest list.
Arranged photographers.
And scheduled a private family meeting for the following morning, when Daniel would supposedly review the final financial documents.
She wanted the celebration to create emotional pressure.
A room full of relatives congratulating Daniel.
Photographs of his hand resting on Claire's stomach.
Speeches about legacy.
Promises about future generations.
Evelyn understood how difficult it would be for her son to resist a family decision after publicly celebrating the child whose financial security supposedly required it.
She also insisted on inviting Mara and Sophie.
Claire objected.
"Why would you bring them?"
Evelyn smiled.
"Because it looks better."
Claire stared.
"What?"
"A happy blended family. Everyone supportive. No bitterness."
The younger woman felt uneasy.
"Sophie might be uncomfortable."
"Children adjust."
Claire looked away.
Evelyn continued.
"And Mara needs to see that Daniel has moved on."
For a moment, Claire recognized the cruelty in the older woman's expression.
The invitation was not primarily about Sophie.
It was about making Mara watch.
Making her stand among wealthy family friends while Evelyn celebrated the woman who supposedly carried Daniel's future.
Claire wanted to refuse.
But she was already trapped inside the plan.
Instead, she asked quietly, "What if Mara doesn't come?"
Evelyn smiled.
"Daniel will persuade her."
And he did.
Because he believed including Sophie was the right thing.
He called Mara personally.
His voice was careful.