Then the master of ceremonies stepped to the microphone.
“Ladies and gentlemen — a special toast, now, from the mother of the groom.”
Portia raised her champagne glass with a triumphant grin.
Rosalind touched the folded note in her handbag, and walked toward the stage.
Chapter 9 — The Toast
She took the microphone with such quiet composure that several guests smiled, expecting a doting mother’s tearful speech.
“When my husband, Frederick, passed away,” she began, her voice carrying clearly through the room, “he made me promise to look after our son.
Not only with wealth — but with the truth.” A murmur rose and settled into silence.
“I came here today ready to bless this marriage.
But I also came ready to stop accepting lies.”