She called Jonathan.
“He’s using our daughter.”
“I know.”
“He can have the house, the vehicles, and every dollar in our accounts. But he will not take Sophie.”
“He won’t. Marcus just made the mistake we have been waiting for.”
Jonathan explained that the family law team had already documented the fraudulent credit account, the messages between Marcus and Sabrina, and the threats connected to the custody petition.
The preliminary hearing was scheduled for shortly after the Northlake Foundation’s annual gala.
“Marcus intends to announce the expansion that evening,” Jonathan said. “The entire board will be present.”
“So will Sabrina and Eleanor.”
“Even better.”
The gala took place at a luxury hotel overlooking Elliott Bay.
Crystal chandeliers filled the ballroom with light. White floral arrangements covered the tables, and hospital executives, physicians, donors, and business leaders from across Washington attended.
Marcus stepped onto the stage with Sabrina on his arm.
Eleanor sat proudly at the front table.
“Tonight begins a new chapter for Northlake Medical Center,” Marcus announced. “This expansion will establish us as the leading private healthcare institution in the Pacific Northwest.”
The audience applauded.
Almost no one noticed Claire enter the ballroom.
She wore a simple black evening gown and carried a leather portfolio.
After Marcus finished, the chairman of the board approached the microphone.
“Before any agreement is executed, we are required to complete the annual reading of the hospital ownership trust.”
Marcus was speaking quietly to Sabrina and barely listened.
“Evergreen Health Holdings hereby confirms Mrs. Claire Bennett as successor beneficiary and controlling majority owner.”
The ballroom went silent.
Marcus’s smile disappeared.
Claire walked toward the stage.
“That’s impossible,” Eleanor whispered.
Claire accepted the microphone.
“Several weeks ago, many hospital employees watched my husband tear the badge from my uniform and announce that I no longer belonged in his hospital.”
