They Chose Their Adopted Daughter, So the Real Heiress Walked Out novel · Chapter 22 of 24
Chapter 22: The Gala
The Foundation's gala filled the ballroom of the Marlow Grand Hotel with four hundred people in black tie.
I walked in at seven in the only dress I owned, with the whole Bridge Cohort behind me and Caleb at my shoulder.
Eli walked in on my other side.
Clark came last, with a leather folder under his arm and no expression at all.
A hush followed us down the aisle.
My mother stood at the microphone on the stage, in pale gold, with Chloe beside her in white.
She saw me, and she did not stop speaking.
"The Weatherford Foundation has always believed that family is a choice," she said. "Tonight I'm proud to announce that my daughter Chloe will take her place as the next steward of her grandfather's trust."
Applause began near the front.
"Mom," Chloe said, very quietly.
My mother did not turn her head.
"I'd like to thank the trustees for confirming..."
My father said, from the side steps: "The trustee's declaration is void."
My father had come up the side steps while she talked.
He wore a dark suit and a gold watch with a green face, and he crossed the stage and took the microphone out of her hand.
The applause died.
"Good evening," he said. "I'm Talia's father. I am also the co-trustee of my father's trust, and I never signed that declaration."
My mother said, "Give me that."
"The trust names two trustees, and requires two signatures." He turned to the front table. "Counsel, please correct me."
The family's lawyer, in his seat, looked at nothing for a long moment.
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