Chapter 3 — The Ring on the Table
Adrian moved toward Evelyn.
Not fast.
Not violent.
Desperate.
“Evelyn, listen to me.”
She looked down at his hand before it reached her.
He stopped.
That was the thing about real power.
It did not need to raise its voice.
“You lied to me for two years,” she said. “You brought your mistress into my home. You let your father write me out of my own life. And tonight, you expected me to smile while you handed me a pen.”
Cassandra’s voice cracked.
“Don’t call me that.”
Evelyn turned to her.
“What would you prefer?”
Cassandra swallowed.
The confidence was gone now.
Only fear remained.
Harold slammed his palm onto the table.
“You foolish woman,” he said. “You think paperwork makes you powerful?”
Evelyn finally smiled.
“No.”
She removed her wedding ring.
The diamond caught the chandelier light one last time.
Then she dropped it onto the table.
The sound was small.
But everyone heard it.
Clink.
“I think evidence does.”
The dining room doors opened.
Two federal agents stepped inside.
Behind them came Evelyn’s attorney.
Harold stood so quickly his chair scraped across the floor.
“What is the meaning of this?”
The lead agent looked at him.
“Harold Blackwood, you are under investigation for fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, and conspiracy.”
Adrian stumbled back.
Cassandra covered her mouth.
Harold looked at Evelyn with pure disbelief.
“You called them?”
Evelyn stood.
“No, Harold.”
May you like
She picked up her clutch.
“They called me after I sent them everything.”
