Chapter 2 – The Truth Behind the Name
Chapter 2 – The Truth Behind the Name
The ballroom doors opened once more.
A distinguished older gentleman entered with several attorneys and members of the foundation's board.
Every board member immediately stood.
"Chairwoman."
The room gasped.
Vivian slowly turned toward Emily.
Chairwoman?
Emily Bennett wasn't a guest.
She was the Chairwoman of the Hartwell Children's Foundation—the very organization hosting the gala.
For three years, Emily had deliberately kept a low public profile, allowing the foundation's work to receive attention instead of herself.
Very few people recognized her face.
Vivian certainly hadn't.
Emily looked at the board.
"Is Mrs. Ashcroft associated with our foundation?"
"No, Chairwoman."
"Has she donated this year?"
The treasurer checked the records.
"No."
Emily nodded.
"Then revoke every invitation ever extended to the Ashcroft family."
The ballroom erupted in whispers.
Vivian's face turned pale.
"You can't do that!"
"I can."
Emily turned toward the event coordinator.
"And make sure every children's charity affiliated with our foundation receives a full report of tonight's incident."
The coordinator answered immediately.
May you like
"Yes, Chairwoman."
For the first time in decades, Vivian Ashcroft realized she had lost control of the room.
