I was about to go over and ask what was happening when Max suddenly stood up, swaying slightly as he walked toward our son, and clapped a hand on Kenneth's shoulder.
“Kenny, you really are my boy. Just as brilliant as me. I've got a gift for you today too, and trust me, you're going to love it.”
Every head in the room turned. Curiosity lit up every pair of eyes.
I frowned. Max hadn't said a word to me about any gift.
Max had married into my family. When his startup collapsed and left him millions in debt, he married into the Delgado household, and I paid off every cent. For years my money had fed and housed his entire side of the family. I knew every dollar he spent. He'd never asked me for money for a gift, so where had one come from?
Under all those curious stares, Max grinned, practically glowing with self-satisfaction.
“I'm having Kenny change his last name back to Perry. My son is going to return to the Perry family line. That's the best college gift I can give him.”
The color drained from my face.
Max only looked more pleased with himself.
“Kenny, what I'm giving you is something none of those shallow material things can touch. Surprised? Right after this, I'm taking you to change your name. From now on, you're a Perry — one of ours.”
My parents looked at me, alarm all over their faces.
“Ronnie, what is he doing? Why would he want Kenny to change his name?”
I swallowed the fury rising in my chest and kept my voice steady for them.
“Mom, Dad, he's had too much to drink. He doesn't know what he's saying. I'll get him off the stage right now.”
I forced a smile and walked up onto the platform, turning to face the guests.
“My husband's a little too excited tonight. He's had one too many and he's talking nonsense. Please don't take it to heart.”
I tugged at Max's sleeve.
“Max, you've had enough. Go sit down and stop making a scene.”
He reeked of liquor. He stared at me for a few seconds, then shook my hand off and kicked the display screen behind him.
“Kenny is exceptional. My parents have approved him to take the Perry name and be written into the Perry family genealogy.”
Kenneth's face tightened with embarrassment. He grabbed Max's arm.
“Dad, stop. Please just go rest.”
Max pressed down on Kenneth's shoulder instead.
“Kenny, what's with that look? You're going to be a Perry. That's an honor. You should be working even harder to bring glory to the Perry name. You hear me?”
I was shaking with rage. I grabbed the water pitcher off the table and threw it in Max's face.
“Max, this is not the place for your drunken tantrum. Get off this stage. Now.”
He wiped his face with his sleeve and fixed me with a cold, hard look that made something in my chest seize.
I seized Kenneth's arm.
“Kenny, go. Go wait downstairs.”
Before the words had fully left my mouth, Max shoved me hard.
I tumbled down the steps, pain blooming across my entire body as I hit the floor.
Max stood over me, eyes locked on mine like a threat.
“Veronica, don't flatter yourself. Kenny is my son. I let him carry your last name for eighteen years — that was your family's honor, not mine.”
My parents rushed over, kneeling beside me, faces tight with worry.
“Ronnie, are you okay? Are you hurt?”
I shook my head. My mother turned to Max, fury burning in her eyes.
“Max Perry, you married into the Delgado family. Kenneth has been a Delgado since the day he was born. What gives you the right to change his name?”
That was when Diane Abbott charged out from the crowd, teeth bared, glaring at my parents.
“You two old wretches — don't you dare show me that face. Since the dawn of time, a son carries his father's last name. Only a criminal's children take the mother's. I only let my grandson use your name because I pitied you — your line was dying out and I figured I'd let you know what it feels like to have a grandchild around. And instead of thanking us, you shameless, ungrateful things have the gall to block my grandson from returning to the Perry family line? You're not afraid of what heaven will do to you for that?”
