Chapter 2: What He Said Into the Microphone
The room went completely still.
Daniel stood at the center of the reception, microphone in hand, and looked out at every face in that ballroom.
"I need one minute," he said.
"And I need everyone to hear this."
Veronica took a step forward.
Henry grabbed her arm.
Daniel looked at Ivy first.
Just for a second.
Then he spoke.
"My mother just told my daughter — a six-year-old girl in a yellow dress on our wedding day — that she is 'mommy's regret.' I want every person in this room to know that.
And I want every person in this room to know what I'm about to say next."
Someone near the back put down their glass.
"Ivy is not a responsibility.
She is not a complication.
She is my daughter.
As of today, legally and completely.
The paperwork was finalized three days ago."
Ivy looked up at me.
I couldn't speak.
"And if anyone in my family cannot accept that," Daniel continued, "then they are not welcome in our home.
Not at Christmas.
Not at birthdays.
Not ever."
Veronica's face went white.
Sophie set her champagne down slowly.
Then Henry leaned toward Veronica and said something low and sharp — something I couldn't hear from where I stood.
But I saw Veronica's expression change.
Not embarrassment.
Not regret.
Something colder than that.
She opened her clutch, pulled out her phone, and walked toward the exit without a word.
I didn't know yet what she was planning.
But I should have followed her.
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What Veronica did next — away from the cameras and the guests — is the part nobody saw coming.
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