Chapter 2 - THE BLACK FOLDER
Vanessa’s smile vanished before Thomas even opened the folder.
Daniel came around the head table. “Mom, whatever this is, we can talk privately.”
“That would have been a thoughtful idea before your wife put cake in my face.”
A few guests looked down. Thomas opened the folder. “Per Mrs. Mercer’s written instruction, the complimentary event package is terminated effective immediately.”
Vanessa stared at him. “Complimentary?”
“The ballroom, bridal suite, catering upgrade, orchestra, premium bar, and twelve guest rooms were provided under Mrs. Mercer’s ownership privileges.”
Someone whispered, “Ownership?” Daniel closed his eyes. Vanessa turned to him. “What is he talking about?”
I had expected anger. What I saw instead was confusion.
Daniel had never told her.
Thomas continued. “The event will continue. Guests may remain. Dinner will be served. However, all charges from this moment forward will be billed at the contracted public rate to the card supplied by the groom.”
Vanessa snapped, “No. Put it back the way it was.”
Thomas did not even look at her. “I take instructions from Mrs. Mercer regarding owner benefits.”
Daniel lowered his voice. “Mom, please.”
I almost laughed. He had finally remembered the word: please.
Thomas handed me a copy of the revised invoice. The number at the bottom was $86,420. That was not the full wedding cost. It was what remained once the privileges were removed.
Vanessa grabbed Daniel’s arm. “You said the hotel was handling this as a partnership with your company.”
Daniel said nothing.
Her eyes moved from him to me. “You own this hotel?”
“Part of it.”
“How much?”
“Enough.”
That was when a second man entered the ballroom.
Gray suit. Silver hair. Leather briefcase.
My attorney, Martin Cole.
Daniel saw him and whispered a word I had never heard him use in church.
Vanessa’s face tightened. “Why is there a lawyer here?”
Martin stopped beside Thomas and me.
“Because,” I said, “the hotel bill is the smallest problem your husband has tonight.”
Daniel looked at me as if I had struck him.
May you like
Then Martin placed a second folder on the table.
On the cover was the name of Daniel’s company.
