The music stopped.
Every face turned toward us.
Gerald stepped back. “That statement is defamatory.”
“No,” Miriam replied. “This is defamatory.”
She held up the medical evaluation attached to the petition. “Dr. Samuel Voss supposedly examined Richard yesterday at Saint Matthew’s Hospital. Dr. Voss died fourteen months ago.”
A gasp rolled through the ballroom.
Gerald lunged for the paper, but a detective blocked him.
Miriam continued. “The notary seal on the trust amendment was stolen. The electronic filing originated from Mr. Vale’s office. Bank records show Celeste transferred eighty thousand dollars to the document preparer this morning.”
Celeste’s champagne glass slipped from her fingers.
Vanessa grabbed Ethan’s arm. “Tell them your father is confused.”
He pulled away.