Gasps rippled through the ballroom.
Daniel lunged toward the AV table.
Security stopped him immediately.
Vanessa’s mouth trembled violently. “That’s private.”
I looked directly at her. “So was my marriage.”
My attorney stepped onto the stage, calm and immaculate.
“As of this evening,” he announced, “civil recovery actions have been filed. Criminal referrals have been submitted. Mr. Daniel Vale has been removed from all Beaumont holdings. Ms. Vanessa Hart is named in claims involving fraud, conspiracy, and possession of stolen property.”
Daniel turned toward me, desperate now.
“Mara, please. Think about our daughter.”
I stepped closer.
“I do. Every second. That’s why you’ll only see her under supervision until the custody hearing is finalized.”
Rage flooded his face.
“You can’t do this.”
I leaned closer and lowered my voice.
“You did this. I just kept the receipts.”
Vanessa started crying loudly and uncontrollably, but nobody moved to comfort her. The same people who once admired her diamonds now stared at her throat like the necklace itself was burning her skin.
Two detectives entered through the side doors.
Daniel’s knees nearly gave out beneath him.
