Chapter 11: The Legal Blow
By morning, the gala was no longer the main event.
Vivian sat in her lawyer’s office before nine o’clock, dressed again in black, with a folder of documents arranged neatly in front of her. The remains of the broth had already been sent for testing. Preliminary findings confirmed the presence of a strong sedative. Combined with Mrs. Higgins’s statement, the empty dressing room, and the fact that Brenda had appeared in public wearing Vivian’s gown, jewelry, and wedding ring, the legal picture was becoming very clear.
“This is enough to pursue criminal charges,” her lawyer said. “At minimum, theft and administration of a substance without consent. There may also be grounds related to fraud if she used your identity or access inside the company.”
Vivian listened without interruption.
“I want both paths prepared,” she said. “Criminal and civil. And I want an emergency injunction restricting Brenda Vance from Grand Horizon property, accounts, and internal systems.”
The lawyer made a note.
“And Christopher?”
Vivian’s expression did not change.
“Separate him from any shared authority he can still use to protect her. Freeze what needs freezing. I will not allow either of them to move assets while this is being sorted.”
By noon, the first formal notices had been issued.
By mid-afternoon, Brenda’s company access was suspended pending investigation.
By evening, Christopher was no longer fielding congratulations from the night before. He was fielding calls from lawyers, board members, and people who suddenly needed distance.
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The legal blow did not arrive as a single explosion.
It arrived as a series of closed doors.
