Chapter 76: Owen's Bid

Adrian once believed control could prevent loss. Lately, control seemed to be the surest way to cause it.

Owen admits he bid to keep the recording from tabloids but concealed it because he feared Claire would involve Adrian.

Claire understood that the next choice would be remembered long after the explanation. They had become unusually honest since the divorce began. Honesty did not make the choices easier, but it stopped them from pretending that ease was the same thing as peace.

The secrecy fractures their partnership; Adrian defends Owen's intent while condemning his choice.

"Good motives are not a private license."

Neither of them called it forgiveness. Forgiveness was too large for one night and too fragile to demand.

Owen reveals Marcus demanded an in-person exchange at the unfinished inn.