Chapter 3
"DR. EMILY DAVIDSON," the gold-stitched letters read clearly, omitting every trace of the infamous family surname her father carried.
In the audience, Eleanor gasped softly, covering her mouth with her trembling hands as tears spilled over her eyelids.
"She erased our name..." Eleanor whispered to herself, the horrifying realization washing over her that her daughter had completely cut ties.
Richard lunged forward with a sudden, desperate burst of anger, attempting to snatch the white coat from Emily's hands.
Before his fingers could touch the fabric, two uniformed university security guards stepped up onto the stage, blocking his path.
"Step back, Mr. Davidson, or we will escort you off the premises," the head security officer ordered with uncompromising professionalism.
Richard glared at the officers in sheer outrage, his chest heaving beneath his tailored jet black suit jacket.
"Do you know who I am? I fund this entire institution!" Richard shouted, losing what little composure he had left.
May you like
"Not anymore, you don't," a calm, authoritative voice echoed from the side wings of the stage.
Marcus Thorne, the chief federal prosecutor, stepped into the light holding a heavy leather-bound portfolio under his arm.
