Adrian tried first to recover. “Mr. Monroe, this is a family matter.”
My father turned his head slowly. “You stopped being family when you hit her.”
Richard stood, smoothing his jacket. “Sebastian. Surely we can discuss this privately.”
“Oh, we will,” my father said. “But first, Mara has something to say.”
All eyes returned to me.
My cheek throbbed. My stomach churned. But fear had burned away, leaving something colder behind.
I opened my clutch again and took out a small silver flash drive.
Adrian stared at it.
Richard stared harder.
I gave a cold smile. “You recognize this?”
Adrian swallowed. “Mara.”
“There it is,” I said. “That voice. The one you use when you want me quiet.”
Richard snapped, “Enough theater.”
I faced the guests. “For three years, my husband and father-in-law have used companies in my name to hide debt, move assets, and secure fraudulent loans.”
The ballroom erupted.
Richard barked, “Lies!”
I turned to him. “You forged my signature on four board resolutions. Adrian used my social security number to open two accounts. And last month, when your construction deal collapsed, you planned to blame me.”
Adrian’s face emptied.
That was the revelation he hadn’t expected.
