Giles grabbed my hand and dragged me onto the stage.
The spotlight hit me, stabbing into my eyes.
"Bea, I know you've always been kindhearted."
"So go ahead. Tell everyone how grateful you are that Lucinda is giving the Gilbert family what you couldn't."
The cruelty was surgical.
He wanted me to stand here and confess my own "failure" out loud—then smile and thank the mistress who had stolen everything from me.
I looked out at the faces below the stage, the pity, the contempt, and I looked at Lucinda's face, drunk on her own victory.
I took the microphone from his hand.
The entire room went silent.
Everyone was waiting to watch me cave. Waiting for the dutiful wife to bow her head and keep the peace.
I cleared my throat. My voice came out terrifyingly calm.
"Grateful? Yes, actually."
"Because Ms. Lambert finally showed me how cheap five years of CEO Gilbert's devotion really were."
The color drained from Giles's face in an instant.
"Beulah, what the hell are you talking about!"
I didn't look at him.
I leaned into the microphone and spoke slowly.
"Distinguished guests, in honor of the Gilbert Group's thirtieth anniversary, I've prepared a special gift. For CEO Gilbert, and for all of you."