A chorus of shocked murmurs rose behind us.
Lisa’s husband looked like he might faint.
“Ben… please… we didn’t mean—”
“Didn’t mean to steal?” Ben snapped. “Didn’t mean to mock my wife? The one person in this room who has never taken a thing from me?”
His voice trembled with fury. “Diana didn’t even know how wealthy I was. She thought I was a small business owner. She’s spent the last three years tutoring for free, pinching pennies for Christmas gifts for kids she barely knows—while you lived off my money and called her beneath you.”
He crossed to me and gently brushed hair from my cheek. “I’m so sorry. I should’ve been here sooner.”
Then, turning back to Lisa, his voice hardened. “You’re removed from managing the trust. You have 30 days to vacate the property. The cars are being repossessed tomorrow. And if I ever hear you insult my wife again—your crimes won’t stay in this room.”
Silence.
And then: “Oh, Lisa?” Ben added, turning back one last time. “Consider the $50,000 wedding bill your severance package.”
