How to Tame a Silver Fox – Episode 24
Mark had taken the photograph three months after the night Chris believed Evan died. Harper stared at the verification report while Chris read it twice, his expression becoming unreadable.
“My father knew Evan survived,” she said. The conclusion carried no room for a comforting explanation.
Chris called Mark, but every attempt went to voicemail. By the time the fundraiser began, Mark had still not responded.
The Yale society house glowed with old money and polished tradition. Harper entered in a black dress, carrying the false rumor about the Boston ledger like a concealed weapon.
Chris wore a dark suit and remained close enough to intervene without pretending to be her guardian. The approving looks directed at them made their age difference feel less scandalous than the attraction neither had named.
“You’re staring again,” Harper murmured.
“Security assessment.” Chris’s gaze lingered. “That dress presents several risks.”
“None you’re qualified to manage.” She left him fighting a smile and crossed toward Cole Mercer.
Cole stood beneath a portrait of the society’s founder, the blue-stone ring visible on his hand. He greeted Harper as though he had not watched her house burn.
“I know Evan survived Boston,” Harper said quietly. “And I know my father photographed him.”
Cole’s pleasant expression cracked. “Then Chris finally told you the bedtime story.”
Harper activated the recorder hidden in her bracelet. “Chris kept the ledger. He’s turning it over tomorrow.”
Anger flashed across Cole’s face before he concealed it. “There is no ledger. Mark destroyed it after he made his deal.”
The words were not a full confession, but they proved Cole knew details Harper had never shared. She asked what Mark received in exchange.
Christina appeared beside them, furious to find Harper at an event sponsored by her family. “You really don’t know when you’re unwanted.”
Her interruption gave Cole time to notice the faint light on Harper’s bracelet. He caught Harper’s wrist and crushed the recorder beneath his thumb.
Chris started across the room, but Christina stepped into his path, accusing him loudly of threatening students. Guests turned toward the commotion.
Cole pulled Harper through a concealed door behind the founder’s portrait. As it closed, he whispered, “If you want the truth about your father, you’re coming with me.”
