Chapter 7 - THE WOMAN ON THE STAGE
At nine fifteen, Loretta stepped onto the stage.
The ballroom quieted.
Behind her, Margaret Hartwell's portrait glowed beneath soft lights.
Loretta approached the microphone.
"Good evening."
Applause filled the room.
She thanked the donors.
The artists.
The volunteers.
The scholarship recipients.
Then she spoke about her mother.
"Margaret Hartwell believed that art was not a luxury. She believed it was a language people deserved to learn, regardless of what neighborhood they came from or how much money their parents earned."
Several guests nodded.
Loretta continued.
"My mother also believed that the things we inherit carry responsibilities."
She looked toward Camille.
"Sometimes those things are institutions."
A pause.
"Sometimes they're memories."
Oliver shifted in his chair.
Loretta smiled.
"Tonight, I want to recognize someone who has been helping us with public relations."
Camille straightened.
"Camille Voss, would you join me?"
Applause rose.
Camille stood.
She glanced at Oliver.
He gave her a reassuring nod.
She walked toward the stage.
The bracelet glittered beneath the chandeliers.
Loretta welcomed her warmly.
"Camille, thank you for coming."
"Of course."
Loretta turned toward the audience.
"Many of you may recognize the bracelet Camille is wearing."
A murmur moved through the room.
On the screen behind them appeared a photograph.
Margaret Hartwell.
Twenty years earlier.
Wearing the same bracelet.
Camille went pale.
Loretta continued.
"This bracelet was commissioned by my grandfather for my mother's thirtieth birthday. She wore it to every foundation gala until her death."
The audience became still.
Loretta looked at Camille.
"Would you mind showing everyone?"
Camille's smile trembled.
"I—"
"Just raise your wrist."
Camille obeyed.
Cameras flashed.
The bracelet sparkled.
Loretta turned back to the microphone.
"Thank you."
Then she said the sentence Oliver would remember for the rest of his life.
"That bracelet was removed from my private safe without my permission."
The ballroom fell silent.
Camille stared at her.
Loretta did not raise her voice.
"And because I believe in transparency, I have asked our attorneys to document its appearance tonight."
Oliver stood abruptly.
"Loretta."
She looked toward him.
"Please sit down, Oliver."
He froze.
May you like
Her voice remained calm.
"We have a great deal more to discuss."
