Chapter 71

Elise helped Anna onto the stage. Facing so many people all at once made her a little nervous. She had planned to walk Anna up, then step aside until Anna finished her speech and the formalities were done. But the latter didn't let go of her hand. "Thank you all for taking time out of your busy lives to celebrate my 80th birthday," Anna said with a warm smile. "This might be the last birthday banquet I ever host, so please eat and drink well. I hope everyone here can live as I have—healthy, long, peaceful, and happy." Applause filled the hall. Just as Elise began to relax, a child's voice cut through the noise. "Mom!" Lucas came running up the steps, grabbed Elise's hand, and tugged her toward the edge of the stage as he continued, "Mom, you have to go and divorce Dad right now!" The hall went silent. Anna had just set down the microphone to catch her breath, but Lucas' voice carried clearly through the speakers. Shock rippled through the guests, then confusion. Moments earlier,