Chapter 7
Gerald watched her go.
Then he looked at Derrick with an expression that had moved past anger into something colder and more considered.
"You understand," Gerald said quietly, "that depending on how the next hour goes, there may be consequences for you professionally.
I have relationships with three of the partners at your firm."
Derrick looked at him steadily.
"I understand," he said.
"Good." Gerald smoothed his jacket.
"Then we're both clear on where we stand."
He walked toward the corridor after his daughter.
Celestine watched him go.
She folded her hands in her lap.
She looked at her son.
"Is she a good woman?" she asked quietly.
"Underneath all of this — is she good?"
Derrick was quiet for a moment.
"I thought I knew," he said.
"I'm not sure I know anything right now."
In the corridor, a door closed.
Then, faintly, through the wall — the sound of Vanessa's voice.
Sharp.
Urgent.
A phone call she had not expected anyone to hear.
Derrick's head turned toward the sound.
---
## CHAPTER 5: What Vanessa Said When She Thought No One Could Hear
The corridor was narrow and lined with white-painted panels.
Vanessa stood at the far end, her back to the ballroom door, one hand pressed flat against the wall.
The call had connected quickly.
Whoever she called had been expecting to hear from her.
"It's me," she said.
"We have a problem."
Derrick had followed.
Not to confront her.
He had moved on instinct, telling himself he only wanted to check that she was all right.
He stopped just inside the corridor entrance, partially hidden by the edge of the door frame.
He knew he should announce himself.
He didn't.
"She showed up," Vanessa said into the phone.
"His mother.
In the middle of the ceremony." A pause.
"I don't know how.
Raymond, apparently — yes, I know.
I know." Her voice dropped lower.
"That's not the issue right now.
The issue is the prenuptial agreement.
May you like
If he decides to call this off—"
Derrick's hand found the door frame.
