Chapter 4 - The Ring in the Glass
The ballroom was in absolute chaos. Guests backed away toward the exits, security guards stood frozen, terrified to draw weapons against Lorenzo Vance's armed men, and Preston wept on the floor.
Camille looked down at the man she had believed was her future. She slowly reached down to her left hand, slipping the grandmother's diamond ring off her ring finger.
She dropped the ring into Preston's half-empty glass of champagne sitting on the appraisal table. It sank to the bottom with a quiet clink.
"The engagement is over, Preston," Camille said, her voice void of any anger, carrying only absolute detachment. "And if I ever see you near my father's archive again, I won't need Mr. Vance's cane to deal with you."
She turned toward Lorenzo Vance, holding the heavy leather folio against her chest. "This manifest belongs to the Thibodeaux trust, Mr. Vance. If you want it returned to your family, we talk in private."
Lorenzo raised an eyebrow, a low chuckle rumbling in his chest. "A housekeeper who commands a room and negotiates with the mafia. Your father raised a formidable daughter, Camille."
Lorenzo gestured toward the open entrance. "My car is outside. Let us discuss your father's legacy over dinner."
May you like
Camille didn't hesitate. She stepped away from the appraisal table, leaving Preston groveling on the floor surrounded by his wealthy peers. As she walked alongside Lorenzo Vance through the grand doors of the auction house, she untied her gray housekeeping apron, letting it drop onto the polished marble floor she had spent fourteen months cleaning.
Outside, a sleek black Rolls-Royce waited along the curb of Royal Street, rain beginning to slick the cobblestones of the French Quarter.
