The young man behind the turntables looked confused, but when I reached out my hand, he instinctively handed me the wireless microphone.
I turned to face the room.
I tapped the mic twice.
Thump. Thump.
The remaining chatter died instantly.
200 faces stared at me.
Vanessa stood frozen by my empty chair, her fake smile faltering.
David finally looked up, his face pale with sudden apprehension.
“Good evening, everyone.”
I spoke clearly, my voice echoing through the massive ballroom.
“I know it is customary for the mother of the groom to give a speech, and I wanted to make sure I offered my blessings before I leave.”
I paused, letting the silence stretch.
“Vanessa,” I continued, looking directly at her. “I am so glad you are enjoying this beautiful reception. You put so much effort into planning your perfect future. I just wanted to give you my wedding gift a little early, since I won’t be seeing you after tonight.”
Vanessa crossed her arms, looking entirely unsure of what was happening.
“I know you and David have been living in my house for 6 months,” I stated smoothly into the microphone, my tone conversational and completely calm. “And I know, Vanessa, that you plan to move me into a cheap care facility so you could take over the property and put your name on the deed.”
A collective gasp echoed through the room.
Vanessa’s face drained of color.
“But I have some good news,” I announced. “You don’t have to worry about kicking me out. I sold the house on Thursday to a cash buyer.”
David shot up out of his chair, his jaw dropping.
“Mom, what?” he choked out.