The sound of his slow, deliberate clapping echoed through the driveway like a ticking clock.
Diane couldn’t move and couldn’t breathe.
Her eyes locked onto the man stepping fully into the light, his presence commanding in a way that made the air feel thinner, heavier and dangerous.
“Mr. Calder,” her father muttered under his breath, his voice tight with barely concealed tension.
So that was his name.
Calder.
Diane felt it settle in her chest like a warning she should have understood long ago.
“Well,” Calder said smoothly, adjusting the cuff of his sleeve as if this were nothing more than a casual meeting. “I didn’t expect such a heartfelt family reunion tonight, Richard. Truly touching.”
“Get off my property,” Richard snapped, stepping slightly in front of Diane.
Calder chuckled,
