Chapter 2 – The Truth in the Ballroom
Chapter 2 – The Truth in the Ballroom
Julian waited until Mara was steady before releasing her hand.
His overcoat rested around her shoulders, shielding her from the hundreds of eyes fixed upon them.
"Are you hurt?" he asked quietly.
Mara shook her head.
"My hair..."
Her voice broke.
"...and the baby was frightened."
Julian instinctively placed one hand over hers on her stomach.
"That's all I needed to know."
He turned toward Vivienne.
The ballroom seemed to hold its breath.
Vivienne lifted her chin.
"She ruined my gala."
"She stumbled into the floral display."
"I merely disciplined an employee who embarrassed this family."
Julian's expression never changed.
"An employee?"
He reached into his wallet.
Without a word, he unfolded a certified marriage certificate.
The embossed state seal caught the candlelight.
"I introduced Mara Bell to the State of Rhode Island as my wife seven months ago."
"I never introduced her to anyone here because we both believed this family valued character more than appearances."
A murmur swept through the guests.
Several trustees exchanged uneasy glances.
One elderly donor quietly removed his auction paddle and placed it on the table.
Julian continued.
"You cut my wife's hair."
"You humiliated a pregnant woman."
"And you did it in a room full of people who chose silence."
Not a single person defended Vivienne.
Because no one could deny what they had all witnessed.
Then Julian looked toward the ballroom's discreet security cameras.
"Please preserve every recording from tonight."
"The footage will not be erased."
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For the first time that evening...
Vivienne's confidence faltered.
