Ethan followed, his injured hand wrapped in a napkin. “Dad, I swear—”
“I know,” I said. “Smile for the cameras.”
Vanessa tapped her spoon against her glass. “Before the speeches, my husband and I have a special announcement.”
Her uncle, Gerald Vale, stepped beside the stage. He was a probate attorney who had been disciplined twice for mishandling client funds, though Celeste had introduced him as a “family adviser.”
Vanessa placed one hand on Ethan’s chest.
“Ethan has agreed to take responsibility for Richard’s businesses while Richard focuses on his health.”
Polite applause rippled through the room.
My oldest executives stared at me in confusion. Celeste watched them carefully, measuring who might bend first.
Then Gerald approached with another document.
“Richard,” he said, loud enough for nearby guests to hear, “we need your acknowledgment that you received the petition. Refusal may be interpreted as confusion.”
Celeste laughed softly. “Don’t embarrass yourself.”