Chapter 6 - The ArchiveThe Langford archive was located behind a locked walnut door beside the ballroom office.
Only three people possessed keys.
Victoria.
The foundation attorney.
And, apparently, Emma Reed.
Victoria blocked the corridor.
“That room contains confidential donor information.”
The elderly donor stepped forward.
“My money is in those files.”
Other guests joined her.
Not out of courage alone.
Some were suddenly afraid their names had been attached to fraud.
The ballroom manager used Emma’s key.
Inside were shelves of sealed boxes.
Lily recognized one immediately.
Her mother had drawn a small turquoise flower on the side.
The same color as Lily’s pants.
The manager brought it into the ballroom.
Victoria’s hands trembled.
Inside were original contracts proving Emma had not been merely an event assistant.
She had designed the foundation’s entire scholarship-distribution system.
Her employment contract promised her five percent of every administration fee saved through her model.
She never received it.
Instead, Victoria took public credit for the program and kept Emma classified as hourly staff.
Lily stared at the contract.
“My mother built it?”
The manager nodded.
“Yes.”
Victoria snapped:
“She was compensated.”
Lily looked at her.
“You paid her less than your necklace cost.”
Several guests glanced at the diamonds around Victoria’s throat.
May you like
Then the manager found a second contract.
It named Emma Reed as a co-founder.
