Chapter 8 - The UnmaskingAt 7:45 PM, the grand ballroom of the Vance mansion was lit by dozens of flickering candles. Elijah stood near the altar dressed in a tailored tuxedo, holding a gold fountain pen. A non-denominational officiant stood ready, while Julian stood off to the side holding a leather portfolio containing the financial power of attorney documents.
Vanessa glided down the aisle wearing an exquisite white lace gown. Around her neck sparkled the three-hundred-carat Vance Ruby Necklace.
“32 years old and you still won't let me carry my own bag,” Julian whispered to a hired butler as he adjusted his jacket.
Elijah smiled as Vanessa reached his side. “Sir, have you spoken to your grandmother before tonight?” the butler whispered nervously to Elijah.
“Last night,” Elijah answered. “She doesn't arrive until tomorrow evening. Though I wish she were here.”
“Maybe you should wait for her...” the butler muttered under his breath.
Elijah frowned. “Now you sound like her. Let's proceed.”
Vanessa took Elijah’s hands, smiling sweetly. “First the papers, then the vows, the marriage certificate, and the power of attorney.”
Elijah paused, looking at the document Julian placed on the table. “Power of attorney? Why do we need this tonight?”
“So I can take care of the estate business while you travel for work, my dear,” Vanessa cooed softly. “Bills, staff management... you're never home.”
“Don't sign anything, child.”
A powerful, commanding voice echoed from the grand entrance of the ballroom.
Elijah snapped his head around. Vanessa and Julian froze.
Walking down the center aisle was a striking, stately woman in a dark velvet evening gown. Her silver hair was styled perfectly, and her posture was as grand as an empress. Walking beside her was Maya, wearing a stunning formal dress, carrying a secure digital tablet.
Elijah’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Grandma?”
Vanessa pointed an angry finger at me. “No! You are a servant! You were fired yesterday for theft!”
I stepped closer into the candlelight, looking directly into my grandson’s eyes. “Three days, Elijah. And all three days she was cruel to me.”
Elijah stared at me, his jaw dropping as he realized who was standing before him. “Grandma? You... you weren't supposed to arrive until tomorrow!”
“I arrived on Sunday, dear,” I said softly. “I've been here all week.”
Vanessa recoiled. “Here? Where?!”
“In your kitchen,” I answered, holding up my bandaged hand.
Elijah rushed forward, grabbing my hands in horror. “Grandma! What happened to your hand?!”
Vanessa’s face turned pale as death. “Honey, I didn't know! She lied to us all! She came into our house in disguise to spy on me!”
“You stepped on her hand with your heel,” Maya shouted, her voice echoing through the room.
Elijah turned to Vanessa, his eyes filled with absolute fury. “These hands raised me! You... you stepped on my grandmother?!”
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“I... I didn't know it was her!” Vanessa stammered, backing away. “She’s a bitter old woman who wants to control your life!”
“That's the thing, my dear,” I said, stepping between them. “You thought I was nobody.”
