Chapter 7 - The Gala of Empty Promises
The Mercer Relief Foundation gala took place beneath crystal chandeliers at the Metropolitan Grand Hotel.
Photographs of completed housing projects covered enormous screens behind the stage.
Nora recognized several of them.
The buildings belonged to unrelated organizations. Mercer employees had altered the signs digitally.
Guests in evening gowns and tuxedos applauded as Grant announced a new twenty-million-dollar initiative for families displaced by floods.
The money would never reach those families.
Nora stood near the ballroom entrance wearing a black dress chosen by a federal wardrobe specialist. A recorder was concealed beneath the fabric near her shoulder. An emergency transmitter rested inside her bracelet.
Across the ballroom, Evelyn appeared to be another wealthy consultant.
Her gray pantsuit distinguished her from the guests without attracting attention. The cream quilted handbag at her side contained federal credentials, handcuffs, and a second recording device.
They did not acknowledge each other.
Celeste approached Nora shortly before Grant’s speech ended.
“You came.”
“You invited me.”
“I wasn’t certain you would feel brave enough.”
Nora remembered the message inside her apartment.
“Was the photograph necessary?”
Celeste’s face revealed nothing.
“What photograph?”
The denial was too smooth.
Celeste took Nora’s arm and guided her away from the crowd.
“Grant told me about your negotiation.”
“He offered me a contract.”
“And you delayed signing.”
“I want proof that the payment is real.”
“You are in no position to make demands.”
“Then let me leave.”
Celeste’s fingers tightened slightly.
“You misunderstand. Leaving was an option before you opened the wrong files.”
Nora looked at her hand.
Celeste released her.
“To survive in powerful rooms,” Celeste said, “you must understand when a door has closed.”
The audience applauded.
Grant stepped away from the stage, surrounded by donors and photographers.
A large image behind him showed a smiling child standing beside a newly constructed home.
Nora knew the home did not exist.
“Does he believe any of it?” Nora asked.
“Believe what?”
“That he’s helping people.”
Celeste glanced toward her son.
“When Grant was young, he needed to believe he was special. Later, he understood that being believed was more useful than believing.”
“That sounds lonely.”
“Loneliness is survivable.”
“And prison?”
Celeste looked at Nora with quiet amusement.
“You continue to imagine the law is waiting outside every door. It isn’t. The law is a building full of tired people holding documents. We own better buildings and employ better people.”
Nora’s bracelet vibrated once.
Evelyn’s signal.
Enough. Move away.
But Nora needed one more answer.
“Did you create the flower ledger?”
For the first time, Celeste’s control slipped.
Only slightly.
Her pupils tightened.
Then she smiled.
“I don’t know what you mean.”
Nora pretended to regret the question.
Celeste leaned closer.
“You should not have said that.”
Before she could continue, Grant joined them.
“The cars are ready,” he said.
Celeste looked toward Evelyn, who stood nearby speaking with a banking executive.
“Who invited the woman in gray?”
Grant followed her gaze.
“Simon Vale recommended her. Compliance consultant.”
“Remove her.”
“She’s coming to the penthouse.”
Celeste’s attention returned to Nora.
“I see.”
Evelyn had expected scrutiny. Her cover identity could survive a basic search, but Celeste’s suspicion created new danger.
Nora touched her bracelet twice.
Warning.
Evelyn lifted a glass from a passing tray, acknowledging the signal without looking toward her.
The private guests departed shortly after eleven.
Three black cars carried them to Grant’s penthouse.
During the drive, Nora sat between Grant and Celeste.
Grant placed the black contract folder on her lap.
“You sign tonight.”
“I told you I need the transfer first.”
“The funds have been prepared.”
“From which account?”
Celeste answered.
“Ashbourne Strategies.”
The same company used to receive foundation money.
Nora’s recorder captured it clearly.
“How much?” she asked.
“Two million now,” Grant said. “The rest after the investigation ends.”
Nora looked at him.
“What investigation?”
Grant smiled.
“The one your sister is working on.”
The air disappeared from Nora’s lungs.
Celeste watched her reaction.
Grant leaned closer.
“Did you really think we didn’t recognize Evelyn?”
Nora’s bracelet vibrated urgently.
Evelyn had heard.
Grant took Nora’s wrist, covering the transmitter.
“Don’t signal her,” he whispered.
May you like
Across the car, Celeste smiled.
“We invited both of you.”
