You don’t need jewels to make a room brighter, Maggie.
I touched the necklace once.
Then I stepped into the ballroom.
Caroline saw me immediately.
Her smile froze.
She excused herself from a group of donors and crossed the room so quickly that her blue gown swept against the polished marble floor.
“What are you doing here?”
I looked around.
“Attending the foundation gala.”
“You weren’t invited.”
“My name is on the invitations.”
She moved closer.
“Margaret, this isn’t the time.”
“Then when would be convenient?”
She looked over her shoulder.
Several guests were watching.
Her expression shifted.
She lifted her voice.
“Everyone, please excuse us. Margaret has been struggling recently, and I’m afraid she’s having another difficult evening.”
The words landed like a slap.
A few people looked at me with pity.
Others looked away.
I felt my face grow hot.
Caroline continued.
“We love her very much, but she simply hasn’t accepted that the foundation needs new leadership.”
I could have shouted.
I could have accused her in front of everyone.
Instead, I asked where the missing money had gone.
That was when her smile vanished.
And Nathan stepped forward carrying the clipboard.
