“What do you want to do?”
I thought of Brenda in my gown.
Christopher allowing strangers to call her his wife.
The altered photographs.
The missing money.
The bitter broth beside my bed.
“I want my name back,” I said. “And I want the truth spoken where everyone can hear it.”
Luke nodded.
“Then get dressed.”
I did not choose another evening gown.
Instead, I wore a sharply tailored black suit, a white silk blouse and simple heels. I pinned my dark hair away from my face.
When I looked into the mirror, I no longer saw Christopher Albright’s humiliated wife.
I saw Lawrence Mendoza’s daughter.
Before leaving, Luke instructed Mrs. Higgins to place the cup and remaining broth in a sealed bag.
“Do not wash anything,” he said. “It may be important evidence.”
Our driver waited outside.
During the journey, Luke made several calls.
He ordered a backup livestream to be activated. He confirmed the legal documents with Mr. Davis. Then he spoke to Mr. Garrison, one of Grand Horizon’s most influential investors.
“In twenty minutes,” Luke said, “you will understand why my mother was absent tonight.”
When he ended the call, I studied him.
“How long have you been planning this?”
“Since I was sixteen.”
My heart tightened.
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because you still believed you could save Dad.”
I had no answer.
By the time we reached the hotel, Brenda was onstage beside Christopher.
The presenter held up an emerald necklace and announced that it had been donated by “Mrs. Albright.”
It was mine.
Luke adjusted the burgundy tie I had given him for his birthday.
“You’ll use the service elevator,” he said. “Mr. Davis will meet you upstairs.”
“And you?”
“I’m entering through the main doors.”
“Alone?”
A faint smile touched his face.
“No, Mother. I’m bringing the truth with me.”
He squeezed my hand.
“I have been arranging this chessboard for two years. Tonight, the game ends.”
I watched him walk toward the hotel entrance while I carried my father’s agreement into the service elevator.
Mr. Davis was waiting when the doors opened.
His expression softened when he saw me.
“Vivian, your father would be proud.”
Applause thundered from the ballroom.
Through the speakers, the presenter announced, “We now invite Mrs. Albright to address our guests.”
Brenda’s voice followed.
“My husband and I have always believed in giving back to the community.”
At that moment, the ballroom’s main doors opened.
Luke entered.
