PART 3: The Party
The party started at nine o’clock at the big beach hotel. Philip got out of the car with Linda on his arm. Camera lights flashed as photographers called his name. Fiona smiled for the cameras, and Lola recorded it all on her phone.
A reporter asked if Linda was the new Mrs. Clayton. Philip did not say no. He just pulled Linda closer and smiled for the photos.
Lola talked into her phone screen. “My brother is about to get the biggest business deal ever! Our family was made to be rich!”
A worker guided them to the very best table right in front of the main stage. Philip felt very proud. That table was saved for the top bosses of Vane-Stafford Capital and the rich owner.
“They are going to give us a deal tonight,” Philip whispered to Linda.
“How much?” she asked.
“Maybe two hundred million dollars,” he said with a grin.
Linda’s eyes went big. “Then tomorrow we can tell everyone we are together.”
“Yes, the divorce papers for Giselle are already being made,” Philip said.
Fiona lifted her drink. “Giselle will sign whatever you give her. Just give her a small room and a little cash, and she should be happy.”
Arthur Clayton sat quietly next to them. He looked worried. “You are talking like Giselle is not a real person with feelings,” he said.
Fiona looked angry at her husband. “Don’t be soft now, Arthur! She lived off our money for years!”
They did not know there were small microphones hidden in the flowers on the table. The sound room was recording every word they said, and Herman Croft was listening to it all.
At nine forty-two, the lights went down. The company logo showed up on a giant screen. The speaker on stage talked about new money going to build free health clinics, cheap houses, and clean energy.
Philip fixed his suit, waiting to hear his company name called. But the speaker looked up at the balcony.
“For years, the owner of Vane-Stafford Capital has stayed hidden,” the speaker said. “Tonight, she is here to speak to you.”
The big doors opened at the top of the stairs. Giselle walked out under the bright lights. She wore her fine blue dress and her grandmother’s diamond necklace. Two big guards walked behind her.
The whole room went completely quiet. Philip stood up so fast his chair fell over. Linda dropped his arm. Fiona stared at her like she was seeing a ghost. Lola put her phone down, but her live video was still running.
“That… that can’t be her,” Philip whispered.
Giselle walked down the stairs toward the stage. One by one, rich businessmen and leaders stood up and clapped. Giselle walked to the microphone and waited for the noise to stop.
“My grandmother taught me that having money doesn’t make you a good person,” Giselle said into the mic. “It just shows who you really are when you stop hiding.”
Philip walked toward the stage. “Giselle, please! We need to talk alone right now!”
Giselle held up her hand, and her guards blocked him.
“Eight years ago, I married a man in a small diner during a storm,” Giselle told the crowd. “He told me kindness was more important than money, and that his family would love me.” She looked at Fiona and Lola. “I believed him.”
Philip turned white.
“I hid my money because I wanted a real marriage,” she said. “I wanted to see if someone could love me for me, not my company.”
Fiona stood up. “This is a mistake!”
Giselle looked at the big screen. “Then let’s show everyone the truth.”
