Chapter 6 - A Toast to the Dead
The Cross Foundation board dinner glittered beneath crystal chandeliers.
Politicians, executives, and donors filled the ballroom. At the head table, Evelyn Cross wore silver silk and the blue stone ring Lena had described.
She looked every inch the grieving mother who had carried her son through tragedy.
When Daniel entered, Evelyn embraced him before the cameras.
“You look tired,” she whispered.
“I’ve made a decision.”
Her eyes sharpened.
Daniel walked to the podium.
“For two years, my mother has protected the Cross legacy while I struggled with Lena’s death,” he said. “Tonight, I intend to appoint Evelyn Cross as permanent executive chair.”
Applause erupted.
Evelyn pressed one hand dramatically to her heart.
Only Daniel noticed the triumph beneath her tears.
He lifted a glass.
“To family.”
Evelyn raised hers.
“To those who remain.”
After dinner, she guided Daniel into a private library.
Mrs. Alden stood inside beside family attorney Charles Voss.
A folder rested on the desk.
“Sign tonight,” Evelyn said. “The board will ratify it tomorrow.”
Daniel opened the folder.
The documents transferred not only corporate authority but control of several family trusts, including one he had never seen.
THE ARTHUR CROSS DESCENDANT TRUST.
Daniel kept his face neutral.
“This trust has no listed beneficiary.”
Charles Voss adjusted his glasses.
“It became inactive when Lena died without issue.”
Daniel looked at his mother.
“You told me Father left nothing for my children.”
Evelyn smiled gently.
“You had no children.”
“Not then.”
The room went silent.
Mrs. Alden’s fingers tightened around her handbag.
Evelyn’s smile remained in place, but her eyes turned to ice.
“Daniel,” she said softly, “what exactly happened at your hotel today?”
Before he could answer, the library doors opened.
A uniformed hotel employee entered carrying a gray baby blanket.
Lena’s baby blanket.
Evelyn placed it on the desk between them.
May you like
“Let’s not lie to each other anymore.”
👉 Evelyn had discovered that Lena was alive—and her next words revealed that Hope had never been safe inside the penthouse.
