Audrey didn't miss a beat, pointing an accusatory finger at the box. "Oliver, look at this! This is the surprise Tessa prepared for you. She never does housework, yet she froze her hands scooping up icy snow just to build this. And you still want a divorce?"
"A surprise for me?" I let out a low, humorless laugh. "Audrey, are you sure those initials are meant for me?"
"Who else would they be for?"
Before I could answer, Tessa rushed forward.
"Oliver! I wanted to surprise you," she stammered, voice pitching up. "I was going to call you once I finished building it. I didn't think you'd misunderstand."
She masked the panic in her eyes, snatching up the velvet box. "Honey, Happy New Year. I bought the style you like. Hurry, open it."
She shoved the box toward me. I looked into her eyes and saw nothing but calculation. No sincerity—only fear of exposure.
I slapped the box away.
"Don't use this filth to disgust me. It's dirty."
The box hit the ground and popped open. Sheer lingerie spilled out onto the snow.
I stared at the lace. Identical to the set in Carter's photo.
The crowd's vitriol grew louder.
"Director Fletcher humbled herself to please him, and he refuses?"