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Prologue
Claire Woodrich sighed as the limousine pulled into the long driveway. She never felt comfortable at functions like this, but knew she had to attend in her father's memory. Her father was Richard Woodrich. He was a very well known man in Kentucky and by the time of his death, he was well known all over the United States for the companies he had either acquired or started throughout his lifetime.
Claire took a deep breath as the limousine came to a stop and the door adjacent to her was opened. She carefully stepped out of the vehicle while she held the bottom of her dress. Claire had gone shopping with her best friend Sydney a few weeks a go, and she had fallen in love with the navy blue flowing dress. She could still hear the shriek that escaped from Sydney when she emerged from the change room in the dress. Sydney was sure the dress was designed specifically for Claire. Claire's long wavy brown hair flowed softly over her shoulders, and the dark blue in the dress accented her piercing blue eyes.
Claire felt self-conscious as she slowly walked up the stairs leading to the front door. She didn't belong and everyone knew it. But she clutched onto the memory of her father and ignored all the stares.
It had been two years since her father passed away after a very sudden stroke. It was severe enough to kill him instantly. Claire never approved of the life her father led, but he always did a good job of putting that life to the side when it came to his only daughter. Claire was a hard worker that never settled for having anything handed to her and her father just wanted to provide her with everything. They spent a good part of her teen-age years arguing, which drove her mother crazy. By the time Claire reached her early twenties, her father accepted Claire for who she was, and supported her in everything that she did. Claire just wished they had more peaceful years together, because her father passed away shortly after she turned 24. Her father's estate was left to Claire and her mother, and it ensured that they were looked after. Claire had not touched the money he left for her since his death, since she was a well-established editor for the New York Times.
Claire was escorted to her table at the front of the dining hall. Tonight was intended to be a tribute to her father for everything that he achieved throughout his lifetime. Her father was a strong supporter of the arts, so many celebrities were invited. Claire was relieved to see her parents long-time friends, William and Shelly, seated at the same table. She was able to relax a little and enjoy some pre-dinner conversation. Two hours later, after the fine china had been cleared from the tables, Claire took to the podium to pay tribute to her father.
