CHAPTER 2 — THE PHONE CALL
Emma held Lily close as the ballroom remained silent.
With one hand she dialed a number she had hoped she would never need to use.
"Mr. Harrison," she said quietly. "Please come to the Grand Windsor Hotel."
"I need the documents."
Less than fifteen minutes later, the ballroom doors opened.
A gray-haired attorney entered carrying a leather briefcase.
Behind him came two associates and the family's longtime accountant.
Margaret laughed dismissively.
"Did you bring lawyers to a wedding?"
The attorney ignored her.
He walked directly to Emma.
"Mrs. Carter," he said respectfully. "Everything is prepared."
David frowned.
"What is this?"
The accountant looked at him with visible disappointment.
"Your late father's final instructions."
Margaret's smile disappeared.
"Those documents were settled years ago."
The attorney calmly opened the briefcase.
"No, Mrs. Carter."
"They were sealed until tonight."
He removed a notarized letter.
"Your husband, William Carter, anticipated the possibility of family conflict."
"He instructed us that if his granddaughter or daughter-in-law were ever publicly abused by members of this family, these documents were to be delivered immediately."
The ballroom fell completely silent.
David slowly shook his head.
"My father would never..."
The attorney interrupted gently.
"He did."
"And he signed every page himself."
Emma looked down at Lily.
May you like
She had never wanted this moment to come.
But William Carter had known his family better than anyone.
