In the middle of the reception, Ophelia crossed the room with the determination of someone who plans a social execution. He confronted Nora in front of the guests, bringing up even the bride’s early pregnancy, information he had obtained through a doctor he should never have had access to.
With a sudden movement, he grabbed Nora’s left hand, ripped off her ring, and announced to the entire room, “You don’t deserve this. You don’t deserve my son. You don’t deserve to wear a Fairchild diamond.”
He went out to the balcony, raised his arm over the river and threw the jewel. The diamond shone once before disappearing beneath the dark waters. A collective gasp ran through the room. Julian was paralyzed. Ophelia turned, triumphantly, to her daughter-in-law.
Then Nora smiled.
