Chapter 15 - The Dinner Before the Wedding
The charity dinner went ahead under tighter security. The ballroom glowed with warm light, and white roses stood in tall glass vases. Guests spoke in low voices, sensing that something had changed inside the Vale family but not knowing what.
Celeste arrived in a black evening gown, her smile bright and practiced. She greeted donors, kissed Adrian on the cheek, and told anyone who asked that Evelyn was resting after a difficult week.
Then she saw Naomi standing beside Evelyn.
“I was suspended,” Naomi replied. “The investigation is still open.”
Naomi didn’t argue. She simply handed the donor a printed copy of the public trust filing that showed the amendment had not been accepted.
Adrian approached with Marisol and Investigator Ruiz. The investigator was not there to arrest anyone at a dinner; she was there to observe and preserve statements if Celeste chose to make them.
“I want to thank everyone who has supported the Vale family,” she began. “But I will not pretend that everything is well. Someone tried to take away my ability to make my own decisions. Someone changed my medical care without my informed consent. And someone submitted documents that I did not sign.”
Evelyn saw him. “Doctor, please stay. You can explain why the chart in your clinic does not match the orders in your office.”
Guests began whispering. Halden tried to leave, but Investigator Ruiz stepped into his path and asked him to remain while she discussed a formal request for records.
Celeste turned toward Adrian. “You are letting her destroy everything we built.”
Inside was a notice that the trust administrator had frozen all proposed transfers pending an emergency court review.
Celeste read over his shoulder.
May you like
Her face went white.
Then she whispered, “You have no idea what your father put in that trust.”
