“Mr. Vail,” she said, shifting into charm. “I’m so sorry you had to witness this. My sister has been under enormous strain since her divorce.”
Thomas did not look at Courtney.
He looked at my mother.
“I asked you directly whether Madeline was aware of the foundation event.”
Patricia smiled. “There must have been a misunderstanding.”
“No,” he said. “There was a lie.”
The word landed heavily.
My mother’s smile died.
Thomas turned to me. “Ms. Anderson, Ms. Sloan called. She has the injunction drafted.”
Courtney frowned. “Injunction?”
I kept my gaze on my mother.
“To prevent Patricia and Courtney Anderson from using my name, business accounts, or professional credentials in any fundraising, real estate, or club-related transactions.”
Courtney took a step back.
“You can’t do that.”
Rebecca Sloan entered then, carrying a slim briefcase and wearing the expression of a woman who billed by the hour and enjoyed accuracy.
“Yes,” she said. “She can.”
Courtney spun around.
Rebecca gave her a polite nod. “And frankly, she should have done it sooner.”
My mother’s composure finally cracked.
“Madeline, enough. This is vindictive.”
I laughed once.
“Vindictive was telling my ex-husband’s attorney I had hidden assets.”