Chapter 20
Wearing His Ring
The hearing gave Elena three exits.
Annulment. Immunity. Silence.
Celeste's lawyer presented them in a private waiting room with a box of tissues on the table, as if Elena might be moved by props.
"You were exploited," he said. "No one blames you."
"You do."
He blinked.
"The petition names me compromised."
"Legally necessary language."
"So was the forged proxy, apparently."
He left without shaking her hand.
Adrian waited in the next room with Mara, two doctors, and a cane he hated enough to grip like a weapon. The court had required medical presence. Celeste had required cameras outside. The whole building smelled like polished wood and public appetite.
"You can still leave," Adrian said.
Elena looked at him.
"If you testify as my wife, they will make you part of this permanently."
"I am part of it."
"Not like this."
She took his ring from her coat pocket. She had carried it since Grant's museum. Heavy proof. Unforgeable.
Adrian watched her slide it onto her thumb because it was too large for any other finger.
"Elena."
"You told me to take proof I wasn't alone."
His expression changed before he controlled it.
"I meant it."
"So did I."
The bailiff opened the hearing room doors. Noise rushed in: reporters, lawyers, Celeste's soft voice greeting someone important.
Elena walked first.
Every head turned.
Celeste saw the ring and went very still.
Elena took the witness chair wearing Adrian Marlowe's ring in full view of the court.
Then she raised her right hand.