Chapter 11 - The Public Execution
"I am not a stalker, Richard," Jill said, her voice clear, powerful, and echoing through every corner of the silent ballroom. "I am your legal wife of fifteen years."
Gasps erupted from the crowd. Local news reporters immediately raised their cameras, flashes stroking the stage in bright white light.
"That's a lie!" Lacey screamed, stepping forward aggressively. "Richard gave my father the legal divorce papers from his previous marriage three years ago!"
"Those divorce papers were forged by Richard in a basement print shop," Attorney Marcus Vance declared, holding up a certified affidavit from the state supreme court clerk. "As of this second, Richard Tolley is legally married to Jill Tolley. His marriage to Lacey Burcham is legally void and fraudulent."
Lacey turned to Richard, her hand trembling as she slapped him across the face with a loud, echoey crack.
"You bastard!" Lacey shrieked, tears of rage ruining her makeup. "You lied to me?! You used my father's company?!"
Arthur Burcham looked like he was about to have a heart attack. "Richard... is this true?!"
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Richard collapsed onto his knees on the stage, looking up at Jill with pleading, terrified eyes. "Jill... please... we can talk about this in private! Don't do this to me!"
👉 What second, even more devastating secret did the state police reveal right on the stage?
