Chapter 7 - The Autumn Gala
Thursday evening arrived in a blur of chilly fog and rising anticipation.
Andrew spent two hours getting dressed in our master bedroom, admiring himself in his fitted tux, adjusting his silk bow tie, and splashing expensive cologne on his neck. He looked every bit the successful, rising corporate star he desperately believed himself to be.
"Don't wait up for me," he said, checking his gold watch as he headed toward the front door. "The gala goes until late, and the senior partners usually take the new candidates out for drinks afterward to celebrate."
"Congratulations in advance, Andrew," I said, standing near the staircase in a pair of simple leggings and an oversized sweater. "I hope you get everything you deserve tonight."
He smiled, completely blind to the double meaning in my words. "Thanks, Meredith. I'll see you tomorrow."
The moment his car pulled out of the driveway, the clock started ticking.
At 7:15 PM, a large moving van pulled up to the curb, followed closely by my parents' SUV and Daniel’s truck. My mother rushed into the house, tears in her eyes, wrapping me in a tight, fierce hug.
"Oh, my brave girl," she whispered, kissing my cheek. "We’re so sorry you had to go through this alone."
"I’m not alone anymore, Mom," I said, offering her a genuine, radiant smile. "Let’s get the kids."
For the next hour, Daniel, my father, and the movers worked with breathtaking speed. They loaded the cribs, the stroller, my clothing, the children's toys, and essential furniture into the van. Daniel handled the heaviest items effortlessly, occasionally stopping to check on me, making sure I wasn't straining my recovery.
"How are you holding up?" Daniel asked, setting down a heavy box of books in the truck bed.
"I feel lighter than I have in a year," I answered truthfully, watching my dad load the baby swings. "Is Eleanor ready at the hotel?"
Daniel checked his watch. It was 8:15 PM. "The process server just checked in. He’s in the lobby of the Grand Hotel right now, waiting for the keynote speeches to begin."
Meanwhile, three miles away in the grand ballroom of the Grand Hotel downtown, three hundred of Columbus’s most influential business leaders, lawyers, and real estate developers were seated under crystal chandeliers. Andrew sat at a head table near the stage, sipping champagne next to Vanessa Brooks, who looked stunning in an emerald green backless gown.
On stage, Richard Vance—the managing partner of Andrew’s firm—stood at the podium, adjusting his microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Vance announced, his voice echoing through the acoustics of the hall. "Tonight, as we celebrate another stellar year of growth, it is my distinct honor to announce our newest senior partner. A man whose dedication, drive, and relentless work ethic have set a new standard for our corporate real estate division... Andrew Collins!"
Applause erupted across the ballroom. Andrew stood up, beaming with pride, buttoning his suit jacket as he prepared to walk toward the stage to accept his promotion. Vanessa clapped enthusiastically beside him, blowing him a subtle kiss.
He took three steps toward the stage before a tall man in a dark suit stepped out from the side aisle, blocking his path.
"Andrew Collins?" the man asked in a loud, clear voice that carried over the clapping crowd.
May you like
Andrew frowned, annoyed by the interruption. "Yes, but I’m in the middle of—"
"You’ve been served," the man stated loudly, handing Andrew a thick white envelope stamped with official court seals. "Divorce summons, emergency asset freeze, temporary restraining order, and a legal notice of fraud investigation filed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court."
