The keynote speaker tapped the microphone, and the chandeliers seemed to dim on cue. “Before we close tonight, I’d like to announce the lead architect selected for the Colorado River Cultural Center.” Brent smirked at me over his glass, mouthing the word curtains. “Please welcome Mrs. Elena Vance of Vance & Marin Studio.” The room turned. Every head. Every partner. Every cousin who’d ever laughed at the family Thanksgiving table. I set my champagne down and walked past Brent so slowly I could hear his ice cubes rattle. On the stage, I unfolded my notes. “Thank you. This project will be built by a firm that respects the people inside the buildings, not just the men who sign the checks. Which is why, after careful review, our board has declined the bid submitted by Halsey Construction.” Brent’s bourbon glass hit the carpet. Halsey was his company. “Their proposal relied on subcontractors who were never paid for the Lakeside Tower job, including a woman-owned drafting team I personally verified.” Gasps rolled through the ballroom like a tide. My sister Megan, Brent’s wife, pressed a napkin to her mouth. Mark stepped quietly to the front, hands in his pockets, the way he always stood when he was proud. “Additionally,” I continued, “effective Monday, the private investor funding Halsey’s expansion line will be reallocating those resources to a scholarship for first-generation architecture students at UT Austin. The investor has asked to remain anonymous.” Mark winked at me. Brent lunged forward. “You can’t do this, Elena, I’m family.” I leaned into the microphone, my voice soft as silk. “You’re right, Brent. I’m just the woman who picks out the curtains. And tonight, I’m closing them on you.” The room erupted. Megan didn’t follow him out.
