Page 46 of Victorious Vice

“Speaking. Who, may I ask, is this?”

“Smith. Jack Smith, Ms. Bellamy. I’m calling you about your foundation.”

His voice is deep, but it has a bit of a squeak to it. He sounds almost nervous on the other line. But if this is a potential donor, I’ll keep talking to him.

“Yes, did you have any questions? Perhaps you’re interested in making a donation?”

He chuckles lightly. “I already made a donation, Ms. Bellamy. I submitted it through your attorney.”

Oh, my God. The money didn’t come from my father?

“Are you the anonymous donor? The fifty million?”

He pauses. “Yes, I am.”

“Wow, sir. I wish there was a proper way to express my gratitude. Money like that is going to really get the foundation started off right.”

“That was my hope. And thereisa way you can express your gratitude.”

“Yes, sir. Anything.”

He pauses. “I would like for the donation to remain anonymous. I don’t want any glory. But I understand that thereis a gala coming up. I would love a seat at the table. I’m willing, of course, to pay for my plate.”

“That won’t be necessary, sir. Your donation more than makes up for it.” I pull up the guest list on my laptop. “There are a few empty seats available. I’m having my attorney work on filling them, but I’ll absolutely make sure one of them stays open for you. Jack Smith, you said?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I’ll mark you down. You will bemostwelcome, Mr. Smith.”

“Please, call me Jack.”

“Of course. Jack.”

I’ll call him Your Majesty if he wants, for that kind of money.

“I’ll send you an official invitation if you’d like. That has all the information you’ll need.”

“I actually got the information already. A friend of mine is one of your board members. That’s why I called. I’ll be there with bells on, as they say.”

Interesting. Maybe he’s a friend of Robin’s. Or more likely my father’s.

“Then it sounds like you’re all squared away. We will see you at the gala, Mr. Smith. And thank you once again, from the bottom of my heart. This kind of money is going to do an immeasurable amount of good.”

“I’m sure it will, Ms. Bellamy. Take care.”

Three weeks later…

I’m finally back at my own home.

The weeks at the safe house passed uneventfully, thank God.

I chose the evening gown myself from an online catalog. I sent my measurements to a dressmaker, and the gown is waiting for me when I’m finally allowed to return to my home.

The gala is tonight.

A hairstylist—I have hair now, though it’s only an inch or so long—and makeup artist arrive to help me get ready.

The gown is a deep emerald green, a color that complements my dark hair. The fabric is a rich, flowing silk velvet. The gown is tailored with a strapless sweetheart neckline and a delicate bodice with intricate beading and tiny emerald crystals.

---