our annual fundraising gala, an event I had orchestrated flawlessly for seven years. I

is cousin, Sabrina Chavez. Her hand rested on her swollen belly. Th

ticed. "Thank you all for coming. Tonight is about the future

room before they landed on me. There was n

be getting married. Jocelyn an

ral, a mask I had perfected over years of practice. I felt hundreds of

of service. I've arranged a generous settlement. She's also agreed to stay on for a few months

to accept this final public humiliation. He expected

his

lear and steady, carrying across the silent room.

mile tightened. He hadn't anticipated this.