20.

Clara was back at home, her mind a whirlwind of fear and anticipation.

After dismissing all the house help, Clara sat in the living room, her fingers trembling as she clutched her phone. She was waiting for Josh's call. He had promised to call her back.

"What's taking him so long?" she whispered, pacing the room.

Emily's voice startled Clara from her thoughts. "Mom, what's going on? Dad has been acting weirdly since after the event, and now he is not home, and you are pacing around. What did you two fight about?"

Clara forced a smile, but her voice wavered. "It's nothing, sweetheart. Just work stress, you should go back in. You need more rest."

Emily frowned, unconvinced. "Work stress doesn't make Dad so angry. Besides, what work stress can affect him this much when we were at a party? Tell me the truth, please."