Chapter 3 - The Table Garrison Thought He Had EarnedBy nine fifteen, Garrison was experiencing what he believed would become the biggest evening of his career.
Photographers surrounded him and Vienna when they entered the gala. When one reporter accidentally introduced Vienna as his wife, Garrison simply smiled rather than correcting the mistake. Vienna stepped closer. Priscilla appeared thrilled. Delphine recorded nearly everything for her social media account.
"Big night for the Bellamy family," she told her followers. "Garrison is finally receiving the recognition he deserves."
Then an event coordinator approached them. "Mr. Bellamy, your group has been moved to the central table."
Garrison's expression immediately brightened. The central table was normally reserved for Corbin Capital's senior leadership and the evening's most significant benefactors. To Garrison, there could be only one reasonable explanation. Another major investment was coming.
Bellamy Urban Partners had nearly failed three separate times. Every time, funding appeared. Garrison believed his remarkable negotiating abilities had rescued the company.
In reality, I had.
The first Corbin-controlled fund had covered payroll when his business had fewer than six weeks of operating cash available. The second prevented one of his largest properties from falling under a lender's control. The third enabled him to purchase a medical development project that eventually became the centerpiece of his professional reputation.
He never discovered the truth. Neither did Priscilla when her personal financial obligations were quietly resolved. Neither did Delphine when her boutique received enough capital to survive its first eighteen months. Garrison's father, Aldric, had once needed a costly medical procedure. A Corbin charitable foundation quietly covered almost everything.
I had never expected any of them to thank me. I had only hoped for basic respect. Apparently, even that had been asking too much.
At the table, Vienna leaned closer toward Garrison. "After tonight, we won't have to keep this private anymore."
Garrison smiled. "I'll have the separation documents delivered tomorrow."
Priscilla overheard him. "Offer Marisol something modest and fair. She'll take it. Where else could she possibly go?"
Aldric shifted uncomfortably. "Maybe you shouldn't assume she has nowhere else to go."
May you like
Priscilla rolled her eyes. "Please. Everything that woman owns came through us."
What none of them understood was that the microphones positioned around the central table had already been switched on for the gala broadcast. Every conversation was being captured.
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