Chapter 11 - A DINNER FOR THE WRONG GUESTS
Fallon agreed to speak only through an attorney.
Her statement claimed that she'd left the house before the break-in because Wade had become aggressive.
Wade denied hurting her.
The police treated both accounts seriously and kept investigating.
Meanwhile, Marianne Vale announced a private fundraiser at the same hotel where Robert's corporation held its annual conference.
Invitations went to several board members and major investors.
To my astonishment, one arrived for me.
It was addressed to Mrs. Edna Hale in a silver envelope.
A handwritten note said, YOU DESERVE TO KNOW WHO YOU MARRIED.
Ruth begged me not to attend.
Robert advised caution.
I insisted that I would not be lured into a private meeting, but I would consider appearing at a public event with legal counsel nearby.
Evelyn helped us make a safe plan.
At the fundraiser Marianne approached me before the appetizers were served.
She was elegant, composed, and smiling with the practiced warmth of someone who knew exactly where every camera stood.
“Edna, I've heard so much about you.”
“From whom?”
She smiled more broadly.
“Your husband, of course.”
I did not believe her.
She gestured to the crowded ballroom.
“All these people understand that reputation is everything.”
“My son seems to think so too.”
“He's ambitious. Ambition is not a crime.”
“Neither is retiring from honest work,” I replied.
Her eyes narrowed.
“I see Robert has taught you to make speeches.”
“No,” I said.
“I learned to speak before I met him. I simply spent too long letting other people interrupt.”
Marianne handed me a sealed envelope.
Inside was a photograph of Robert signing documents across from Charles.
The date was two months after our wedding.
“Ask him what he approved,” she whispered.
Then she walked away to greet a senator.
I found Robert near the exit.
He studied the photograph and shook his head.
“I signed governance restructuring papers that week.”
“What papers?”
“I'll show you the full records.”
Before he could say more, a giant screen above the stage flickered on.
The fundraising video disappeared.
A recording of Wade's voice filled the room.
“Tell them my mother signed it. She won't remember.”
Every head turned toward me.
The recording continued.
A second voice laughed.
It sounded like Fallon.
May you like
And then the screen went black.
