I had recorded the video before leaving for the airport.
I was wearing the same navy dress Daniel had mocked earlier.
I looked tired.
Calm.
And completely finished with grieving for a marriage that no longer deserved it.
“Daniel,” my recorded voice began, “I gave you every opportunity to leave this marriage with dignity.”
Nobody moved.
“You chose cruelty instead.”
Daniel stared at the screen.
“You chose fraud.”
Vanessa looked toward the control booth.
“And you chose to humiliate me publicly because you believed I had no power.”
The room was silent.
“You once told me I had no identity without your last name.”
I paused.
“So allow me to introduce myself correctly.”
Daniel’s expression collapsed.
“My name is Claire Vale.”
Arthur remained beside the stage.
“I am the owner and chairwoman of Vale Meridian Holdings and its subsidiaries.”
Several guests turned toward Daniel.
“I also own the hotel you are standing inside.”
He took one step backward.
I continued.
“Your contracts are being reviewed.”
“Your board has received the evidence.”
“My attorneys have initiated the appropriate civil actions.”
“And the people who invested their money in your company now know how you used it.”
Vanessa suddenly screamed toward the projection booth.
“Turn that off!”
No one moved.
Then came my final sentence.
“Enjoy the reception, Daniel.”
I looked directly into the camera.
“It will be the last event one of my companies ever hosts for you.”
The screen went black.
Daniel didn’t explode.
