I watched him walk confidently toward the hotel’s brightly lit main entrance. I went up in the service elevator, pressing my father’s legal agreement tightly against my chest.

When the elevator doors opened, Mr. Davis was waiting with serious eyes, holding a sealed manila folder.

“Vivian,” the attorney said gently. “Your dad would be incredibly proud of you tonight.”

Loud applause echoed from the end of the long corridor.

The stage presenter announced, “We now invite Mrs. Albright to say a few words to our guests.”

Then Brenda’s sweet, false voice came through the speakers. “Thank you so much. My husband and I have always believed in helping others.”