“I was leaving on a business trip, but the flight was canceled and I came back home. When I opened the door, a strange woman was standing there wearing my robe. ‘You must be the realtor, right? My husband said you’d come to evaluate our apartment.’ I silently nodded and stepped inside…”

I nodded, pretending to examine the room while my thoughts raced. If I confronted her now, chaos would explode. If I went after Daniel, he’d lie. I needed the truth—clean and undeniable.

“So,” I asked lightly, “how long have you two been married?”

She laughed. “Married? Not yet. We’re engaged. My ring’s being resized.”

The room tilted.

She led me toward the bedroom, chatting about plans to renovate. On the dresser sat a framed photo—Daniel and her, barefoot on a beach. Dated last summer. The same week he’d told me he was at a leadership conference.

The bathroom door opened, steam spilling out.

“Hey, did you grab my—” Daniel stopped cold when he saw me.

For a split second, his face went blank. Then calculation slid into place.

“Oh,” he said quickly. “You’re home early.”

The woman frowned. “You know the appraiser?”

I closed my folder and smiled.

“Yes,” I said. “We’re very familiar.”

Daniel started to speak.

I didn’t let him.

“Why don’t you finish getting dressed,” I said calmly. “This will only take a moment.”

He hesitated, then nodded, retreating back into the bathroom.

The woman—Natalie Pierce, she told me—looked uncomfortable. “I’m sorry. This is awkward.”