He sat at the small kitchen table and repeated everything he had learned about Justin theft. He explained that Justin was only still employed because the final audit of the embezzled funds was not yet complete.
“He tells everyone he is about to be promoted to vice president,” Cassidy said with a sigh. “He is actually much closer to being fired and facing a civil lawsuit,” Maxwell corrected.
He placed a folder on the table containing the names of independent attorneys who could help her reopen the divorce settlement. “He used coercion to make you sign those papers and that is a legal issue,” Maxwell added.
Cassidy looked at the folder and then at the man sitting in her humble kitchen. “What do you want to happen at this wedding?” Maxwell asked.
“I want my sons to be safe and I want Justin to stop winning with his lies,” Cassidy answered. “I want to walk into that room and not feel like I have something to hide.”
Maxwell smiled and said that walking in without shame was the most important part of the plan. “I will arrange a car and formalwear for the boys that they can keep forever,” he said.
“I have also selected a dress for you that I believe will serve as armor for the evening.” Cassidy asked why he was doing so much and he admitted that he had more money than he needed and too few chances to use it for something good.
The next day three white boxes arrived at the apartment tied with silk ribbons. The boys were thrilled to find tiny suits that were soft and comfortable instead of stiff and itchy.
Mason shouted that he was a secret agent while Toby touched the fabric and said it felt like a cloud. Cassidy opened her box and found a dress made of emerald silk that flowed like water.
There was a note inside from Maxwell that told her to walk into the room like she was the answer to every question. She took the dress into her bedroom and stood in front of the mirror while holding it against her chest.
She had not worn something beautiful in so many years that she had almost forgotten she was a woman and not just a survival machine. Justin had spent years making her feel like any beauty she possessed was a burden or a distraction.
When she finally put the dress on she saw a woman who looked strong and capable of facing any storm. “Mommy, you look like a movie star!” Mason screamed when she opened the door.