I continued.
“A week ago, I learned there was a reason I felt confused.”
Her face went pale.
“My medications were not what my physician had prescribed.”
People shifted.
Vanessa stepped toward me.
“You’re tired. Let’s sit down.”
“No.”
The word was quiet.
She stopped.
I looked at her.
“I’m not tired.”
Then I turned toward the room.
“I have also learned that documents were being prepared to support the idea that I could no longer manage my affairs. At the same time, negotiations were taking place regarding the sale of Ravenswood Estate.”
Vanessa said sharply, “This is private.”
“It was.”
I nodded.
“Until you decided to make my supposed incapacity public enough to support your paperwork.”
The man with the portfolio closed it.
Vanessa looked toward him.
“Don’t.”
He stepped away.
That was when my attorney entered from the side of the ballroom.
Not police.
Not handcuffs.
Just paperwork.
He handed Vanessa an envelope.
She looked down.
“What is this?”
“Formal notice,” he said. “Mr. Bennett has revoked every financial and medical authorization previously granted to you. Ravenswood Estate has also been transferred into a protected family trust.”
Vanessa stared at me.
“You can’t do that.”
“I already did.”
Her voice changed.
The sweetness disappeared.
“You promised this house would be mine.”
The room went silent.
I had never promised that.
Perhaps she realized too late what she had admitted.
Sophie closed her eyes.
Ethan simply watched.
Vanessa looked around and seemed to remember the audience.
“I mean someday. As your wife.”
I shook my head.
