I arrived with Russell and Maureen at my side. I wore a navy velvet suit that draped across my body like armor. Security tried to block me, but Russell held up the property deed.
“This residence belongs to Ms. Celina Rhodes. You are impeding the owner. Stand aside.”
Inside, champagne bubbles floated through the air. The city’s elite glittered like constellations. Bennett stood on stage, ready to give a speech beside the woman in the mink coat whose name I now knew was Talia Whitmore.
Vivienne’s face froze when she saw me. “You. How dare you show your face.”
I stepped forward. “I am here because this is my home. You are trespassing. And because you stole my child. But tonight, all of that ends.”
Vivienne laughed. “You are nothing. You will always be nothing.”
Maureen handed her the criminal indictment paperwork. “Actually, Mrs. Armitage, you are being charged with wire fraud, embezzlement, and misappropriation of charity funds. You will be speaking with federal agents shortly.”
Government officers entered the ballroom. Cameras flashed. Talia dropped her champagne flute. Bennett’s voice cracked.
“Celina. Please. We can talk. We can work this out.”
