Chapter 13 - THE TRAP AT THE CHARITY GALA|
The investigators advised Elise not to return to Boston until appropriate safety arrangements could be made.
Her attorney coordinated with the authorities, and the foundation's legal team preserved the new correspondence.
Rowan wanted to do more.
She wanted to fly to wherever Elise was hiding and bring her home.
But she knew that acting on fear could put everyone at greater risk.
Instead, she focused on the evidence.
The next major event on Pierce Catering's calendar was a charity gala supporting the same children's hospital where Rowan had first met Callum. The event was scheduled at a downtown hotel, and several companies connected to the disputed freight acquisition had purchased sponsorship tables.
Grant's investment group was among them.
Callum advised Rowan to consider withdrawing from the event.
She refused.
"We have a signed contract," she said. "The hospital depends on the money, and my staff have already prepared the menu."
"I understand."
"Then don't ask me to abandon it."
"I'm asking you to consider the risks."
"I have. We will increase security through the venue, document every unusual interaction, and follow the advice of the authorities."
Callum nodded.
"Agreed."
For once, he did not try to take control.
The gala began at seven.
Rowan wore a dark green dress beneath a tailored black jacket, moving between the kitchen and ballroom to supervise her team. She had learned to recognize the difference between confidence and recklessness, and she had no intention of allowing Victor's threats to dictate her professional life.
At eight fifteen, Grant arrived.
He approached her near the service corridor.
"I need to talk to you."
"About what?"
"Victor."
Rowan's expression hardened.
"Then speak to the investigators."
"I have information about Elise."
"Give it to them."
Grant glanced toward the ballroom.
"Not here."
"Then arrange it through your attorney."
He looked desperate.
"Rowan, please. I know I don't deserve your trust, but I think Victor is planning something tonight."
She studied him.
"What?"
"I don't know the details. I received a message saying the acquisition would be finalized before midnight."
"How would a charity gala finalize an acquisition?"
"I don't know."
She immediately contacted the event's security coordinator and informed her attorney. The information was passed to the relevant investigators.
No one canceled the event, but additional precautions were taken.
At nine, Callum arrived.
He greeted Rowan with a brief kiss on the cheek, then asked whether she was comfortable with him staying.
"Yes," she said. "But we're not turning this into a confrontation."
"Understood."
For half an hour, everything appeared normal.
Then the ballroom screens went dark.
The music stopped.
A message appeared on the largest display.
THE TRUTH ABOUT CALLUM VOSS.
The guests turned toward the screen.
A series of documents appeared, followed by photographs from the old freight dispute. One showed Callum standing beside Victor outside the warehouse.
Another displayed a copy of the settlement agreement.
Then a voice filled the ballroom.
"Ask Mr. Voss why he allowed money to disappear while honest workers paid the price."
The room erupted in whispers.
Callum stood motionless.
Rowan looked at him.
"Did you arrange this?"
"No."
"Did you know it was coming?"
"No."
The screen changed again.
A document appeared claiming that Callum had approved a transfer to an offshore account.
The signature resembled his.
But the document's source and authenticity were unknown.
Callum immediately instructed his attorney to preserve the display records and notify the investigators.
He did not attempt to shut down the questions.
He stood beside Rowan while the guests watched.
Then Grant stepped onto the small stage.
"I think everyone deserves an explanation," he announced.
Rowan stared at him.
He had not told her he intended to speak publicly.
Callum's face became still.
Grant held up a folder.
"Because the person who knows the truth about that settlement is standing right here."
He pointed directly at Callum.
May you like
And then he said the one thing that made Rowan question everything again.
"Callum Voss didn't just know Victor Raines. He helped him."
