"A few whispers are nothing compared to the Gilbert fortune." I met her eyes. "If their son is incompetent, then I, the dutiful daughter-in-law, will simply take the reins."
——
She searched my face for the naive girl who had worshipped Jesse Gilbert ten years ago. She found only ice.
Around us, the guests cast probing glances, hungry for a scene. They wanted screaming. Hair-pulling. A laughingstock.
I denied them the satisfaction. I turned away.
"Only what you hold in your hand is real," I told my mother. "Go to the back parlor and rest."
Seeing the absence of sorrow in my eyes, she finally exhaled. "As long as you have a plan. I believe in you."
When I turned back, Jesse Gilbert was approaching. Joanna Fox clung to his arm like a decorative parasite.
She extended her hand toward me, the enormous diamond catching the light.
"Hello, Miss Tessa Matthews."
The room fell silent. My maiden name—a calculated slap in the face.
This banquet, organized by Old Mr. Gilbert, was attended by every significant relative and business partner. Everyone here knew I was the rightful Mrs. Gilbert.
A mocking smile played on Jesse's lips as he looked past me to my mother.