He’d had 15 years to make her listen.
That time was over.
October 20th arrived with perfect California weather.
The Ritz-Carlton ballroom gleamed with crystal chandeliers and gold accents. Eleanor arrived at 6:00 p.m. in a $30,000 Oscar de la Renta gown, holding court near the entrance.
“The Drexler name means excellence in real estate,” I heard her telling a group of investors. “Wait until you see our newest Malibu acquisition. I’ll be sharing details during my speech tonight.”
I arrived at 6:45 in a simple black Armani dress that Victoria had insisted on buying me.
“Understated power,” she’d said. “Let Eleanor be the peacock.”
The moment Eleanor saw me, her face contorted.
“What is she doing here?”
“Oh, Eleanor,” I said calmly, walking past her toward the head table. “Didn’t you know I’m the keynote speaker’s special guest?”
Marcus stood frozen beside his mother, his face pale. He’d figured out something was wrong, but hadn’t connected the dots yet.
Eleanor grabbed his arm.
“This is a setup. She’s trying to embarrass the family.”
“Mother, maybe we should—”
“No. I’m a gold sponsor. This is my night.”
The ballroom filled quickly.
800 of California’s most influential people, plus a live stream audience that would eventually reach 50,000.
Eleanor made sure everyone knew about her “new beach house,” even showing photos she’d screenshot from the real estate listing.
At 7:30, the ceremony began.
The association president took the stage.
“Tonight, we celebrate integrity in real estate. We’ll begin by recognizing our gold sponsors, whose generous contributions make our work possible.”
Eleanor preened in her seat, adjusting her diamond necklace.
She had no idea that three FBI agents were watching the live stream, waiting to see if she’d repeat her fraudulent claims publicly.
Victoria Sterling caught my eye from across the room and nodded.
The show was about to begin.
“Please welcome our gold sponsor, Mrs. Eleanor Drexler.”
