Daniel still hadn’t stood up.

At four minutes, Daniel finally pushed his chair back.

For one hopeful second, I thought he had chosen me.

Then he hissed, “You will not embarrass me in front of my family.”

My father slowly stood.

“Son, she didn’t embarrass you.”

Daniel’s father slammed his palm against the table. “Stay out of this.”

Madison folded her arms. “Claire always acts like she owns everything.”

I turned toward her.

“Interesting choice of words.”

Her smile weakened.

Daniel laughed bitterly. “What is that supposed to mean?”

My phone timer chimed.

Five minutes.

I looked at my parents.

“We’re leaving.”

Daniel grabbed my wrist.

“Sit down.”

I stared at his hand until he released me.

Then I placed a folded document beside his plate.

His father picked it up before Daniel could.

His expression changed immediately.

“What the hell is this?”

“A notice,” I said. “The bank’s risk committee receives the full package at nine tomorrow morning.”