Chapter 2: The Boy at the Microphone
I opened the notebook.
Every page held dates, restaurant receipts, and amounts of money written in Eli’s careful handwriting.
“Where did you get this?”
“Dad left his bank papers on the printer,” Eli said.
“The same woman’s name was on all of them.”
My hands began to shake.
Thousands had disappeared from our joint account, including money meant for Eli’s education.
“Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”
“I wanted to be sure,” he whispered.
“She’ll be at the gala.”
That evening, Eli stayed close as we entered the crowded ballroom.
Sawyer was nowhere in sight.
Then the doors opened.
Sawyer walked in holding the woman’s hand.
He looked directly at me, but instead of letting go, he smiled.
“There you are,” he said.
“I’d like you to meet Vanessa.”
Vanessa glanced at my navy dress and smirked.
“Sawyer said you wouldn’t make a scene.”
Before I could answer, Eli slipped away.
A sharp squeal came through the speakers.
Everyone turned toward the stage, where my nine-year-old son stood gripping the microphone.
“My dad didn’t bring Vanessa here to help the charity,” Eli announced.
Then he lifted the green notebook.
“He brought her because tomorrow, they’re taking everything that belongs to my mom.”
Sawyer’s smile vanished.
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What was Sawyer planning—and how did Eli uncover it?
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