Chapter 15 - Dressed for a Funeral
Saturday morning arrived with bright, mocking sunshine. The city was abuzz. Grant and Celeste’s wedding was being heralded as the social event of the season, a massive gathering of the city’s elite at the historic, opulent Vale Grand Hotel—a hotel my family owned.
I stood in front of the full-length mirror in the guesthouse. I wasn't wearing a dress meant for a celebration. I was wearing a sharply tailored, midnight-blue power suit. I looked like a CEO preparing for a hostile takeover.
Lily was in her carrier on the bed, wearing a beautiful, simple white dress. She was four months old, wide-eyed, and smiling at a sunbeam dancing across the wall.
Daniel walked into the room, adjusting his tie. He looked at me, a mixture of awe and concern on his face.
“Are you sure about this, Eleanor?” Daniel asked gently. “You don't have to be the one to do this. I can go. The detectives are already in position at the hotel. I can serve him the papers in the lobby.”
I walked over and carefully picked Lily up, cradling her against my chest. She grabbed my finger with her tiny, strong hand.
May you like
“Yes, I am sure,” I said, my voice steady. “Her father looked at her and called her useless. He threw her away like garbage. I want her present in the room when his entire life collapses. I want her to be the last thing he sees before he loses his name.”
Daniel nodded, understanding the profound need for this closure. He opened the door. “Then let’s go crash a wedding.”
