Chapter 7: Preston’s Blind Spot
Richard did not sleep that night.
The next morning, he arranged to meet Preston for coffee under the excuse of discussing a new investment opportunity. He needed to see his son’s face. He needed to know how deep the lie had gone.
They met at a quiet café near Preston’s office.
Preston looked happy. Relaxed. The kind of happiness that only existed when a person still believed the world was solid beneath their feet.
“Harper’s been a little emotional lately,” Preston said as he stirred his coffee. “The pregnancy, the wedding stress… Mom’s been really supportive of her, though. They’ve gotten close.”
Richard kept his expression neutral.
“Have they?”
Preston nodded, smiling.
“Yeah. Honestly, I didn’t expect Mom to warm up to her so quickly. But now they talk almost every day. Harper says Mom’s the only person who really understands what she’s going through.”
Richard felt a sharp twist in his chest.
“And you’re okay with that?”
Preston shrugged.
“Why wouldn’t I be? It’s nice that they get along. A lot of guys I know have mothers and wives who hate each other.”
Richard looked at his son and realized something painful.
Preston had no idea.
Not even a fraction of it.
He was living inside a carefully constructed performance, and both Eleanor and Harper were playing their roles perfectly.
Richard considered telling him right then.
He considered pulling out his phone and showing him the video.
But the words stuck in his throat.
If he destroyed Preston’s marriage in the middle of a café, with no plan and no protection in place, the fallout could be catastrophic — especially with a baby involved.
So instead, Richard forced a small smile.
“Just… keep your eyes open,” he said carefully. “Not everyone who seems supportive has pure intentions.”
Preston laughed lightly.
“You sound paranoid, Dad. Everything’s fine. Harper loves me. Mom loves both of us. We’re good.”
Richard looked at his son for a long moment.
Then he nodded.
“Of course,” he said. “You’re right.”
But as he watched Preston leave the café later, still smiling and checking messages on his phone, Richard felt a deep, cold certainty settle in his chest.
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Preston was completely blind.
And if Richard wasn’t careful, his son would be the one who paid the highest price.
