Then Marcus’ father stood, raising his wine glass. Marcus looked at him, desperate for approval. Camille’s smile curled smugly.
But his father’s voice was sharp, commanding. “Well, son. Tonight you’ve shown yourself for what you are—a fool. A coward. A man willing to humiliate his wife, his children, and your family for selfishness.”
Marcus’ smile faltered.
His mother rose, pale but cold. “How could you bring another woman—and parade her belly—into this house, in front of Claire and your children? Claire has given you everything. And you dare flaunt Camille as if betrayal deserves applause?”
Marcus clenched Camille’s hand. “I told you, I can’t live a lie anymore. I love her.”
His father slammed his glass onto the table. “Love? Don’t talk to me about love when you’ve trampled loyalty, decency, and respect. You are no son of mine if this is who you choose to be. We didn’t raise you to dishonor your family.”
Camille stiffened, her smile wavering.
Then came the words none of us expected. “As of this moment,” his father declared, “you are out of my will. Out of the family trust. Everything will go to Claire and the children. They are the ones worthy of our name. Not you.”
Gasps erupted. Marcus went pale, eyes darting between his parents and me. Camille’s smugness vanished.
Still, Marcus straightened. “Do what you want. I don’t care about money. I care about Camille. That’s all that matters.”
But I saw it—the flicker in Camille’s eyes. Not love, but calculation.