CHAPTER 5: The Father Who Looked Away

Richard Veyron was not a cruel man in public.
That was his talent.
He knew how to place a hand on a shoulder for cameras. He knew how to speak about legacy, children, and responsibility until donors forgot to ask where the money went.
But when Julian looked at him across the ballroom, Richard seemed smaller than his tailored suit.
"Tell them," Julian said.
Richard's jaw worked once.
Celeste touched his sleeve, a warning disguised as affection.
"Tell them what?" she asked. "That a spoiled boy has confused a servant's kindness with family?"
Margaret tried to stand, but Julian kept one hand steady at her elbow.
"Do not defend me," she whispered.
"I am not defending you," Julian said. "I am restoring you."
The words made Richard flinch.
At the back of the room, two men in dark suits entered through the service corridor, followed by an older woman carrying a leather folder against her chest.
Celeste saw them and lost color under her makeup.
Julian saw that too.
"Good," he said. "The attorneys are here."