The booking agent explained the situation in careful, neutral language.
Marcus listened without interrupting.
When she reached the attempted beneficiary change, he looked at Elise.
“Did you know?” he asked.
She crossed her arms.
“I knew Owen had money he wasn’t using.”
“That isn’t what I asked.”
Mom stepped between them.
“This is being exaggerated.
Owen has always helped the family.”
Marcus kept his eyes on Elise.
“Did you know it was his college fund?”
Elise looked away.
That was enough.
Marcus removed the engagement ring from her finger before she understood what he was doing.
He placed it on the desk beside the red folder.
“I’m not marrying someone who can call theft a gift,” he said.
Elise stared at the ring.
Then the panic broke through her anger.
“You can’t leave me over money.”
“I’m leaving because you lied to me every day while we planned how to spend it.”
