"Caroline, withdraw the proposed gift."
She nodded.
"Of course."
"Commission an independent review of any financial dealings between Daniel, Keene Capital, and Ashford Hospitality Group."
"Already being arranged."
"And if any fraudulent documents have been submitted, I want them investigated."
Daniel began crying.
"Mom, you're destroying my life."
I looked at him.
"No, sweetheart.
I'm finally allowing you to be responsible for it."
Vanessa began removing her diamond earrings.
Her hands shook.
"I didn't know about the guardianship papers," she said.
I believed she hadn't known the whole plan.
But I also remembered the satisfaction on her face when she smeared cake across mine.
"You knew what you were doing downstairs," I replied.
Tears filled her eyes.
"I thought it was a joke."
"Then perhaps tonight has taught you that humiliating someone isn't entertainment simply because people are watching."
She looked down.
For once, Vanessa had no clever answer.
Daniel stood suddenly.
"I need to go back downstairs."
Caroline stepped aside.
"You're free to do that.
But I would strongly advise that you contact independent legal counsel before discussing these documents."
He stared at her.
"You think I'm going to be arrested?"
"I think you should take the situation seriously."
I walked toward the office door.
Daniel caught my sleeve.
"Mom."
I stopped.
He looked so frightened that my chest hurt.
"Please," he whispered.
"Tell me you still love me."
I studied his face.
"I do."
Relief flickered across his expression.
Then I finished.
"But loving you does not mean trusting you, financing you, or allowing you to destroy me."
I gently removed his hand.
And walked away.
When I returned to the ballroom, the band was playing a soft jazz arrangement.
The guests had resumed dinner.
Some looked curious.
Others looked embarrassed.
My sister Ruth hurried toward me.
"What happened?"
