“But you can pay it!” Daniel shouted, his voice cracking, drawing more stares from the crowd.

He didn’t care about his dignity anymore.

“You have millions here,” he said, gesturing wildly to the gilded ceiling. “This resort is worth billions. What is five million to you?”

“It is five million dollars that belong to Lotus Bay,” I said. “Not to a husband who spent his nights at private clubs while I sat alone in a dark kitchen.”

Daniel stepped back, his mouth open, as if the words had physically struck him.

“Maya,” he whispered.

“You wanted to know who the silent owner was, Daniel,” I said, stepping closer to him so only he and his family could hear. “Now you know. And now you know exactly what your silence has cost you.”

Vivian took two steps forward, her chin tilted high, her eyes blazing with a cold, desperate fury.

She looked at me, her gaze traveling from my diamond necklace down to my evening gown, her expression hardening into a mask of maternal authority.

“Now see here, Maya,” Vivian said, her voice sharp and ringing.