During interviews, Blake often claimed he had bought the watch after completing his first successful property development.
Arden had never corrected him.
“Please clean that before someone steps on it,” Blake said without looking at her. “The household staff already left.”
Arden placed a piece of crystal on the counter and studied his face.
“I thought I was going with you tonight.”
Blake finally lifted his eyes.
For several seconds, he appeared genuinely confused.
That evening’s Coastal Vision Benefit was one of the most important charitable and business gatherings on Florida’s Gulf Coast. It was being held inside a restored waterfront hotel in Sarasota. Investors, healthcare executives, local leaders, architects, and reporters had traveled from across the country to attend.
The most anticipated guest was the private founder of Fairchild Capital, a powerful investment company known for supporting hospitals, housing projects, education programs, and environmentally responsible development.
Very few people knew what the founder looked like.
