Chapter 9 - THE WEDDING NIGHT
The wedding ceremony proceeded beneath thousands of white roses.
Brianna walked down the aisle with tears in her eyes. The guests assumed she was overwhelmed with happiness.
Only Elena knew the truth.
During the reception, Robert sent a message confirming that Naomi Grant and the security team were waiting nearby. Elena needed only to leave the building with the ledger.
But Daniel had begun watching her.
Every time she moved toward an exit, he appeared nearby.
Celeste watched too.
Shortly before the speeches, Elena entered a private corridor and removed the ledger from the garment bag.
Daniel stepped from the shadows.
“What are you carrying?”
“Nothing.”
He took the bag from her and found it empty.
Elena had slipped the ledger to a waiter working with investigators moments earlier.
Daniel’s face hardened.
“Where is it?”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
He seized her wrist, noticed the silver bracelet, and tore it away.
The tiny recording light flashed.
Daniel stared at it.
Then at Elena.
“You’ve been recording us.”
Elena pulled free and hurried into the reception hall.
Daniel followed.
Celeste intercepted them beside the champagne table.
“What has she done?” Celeste demanded.
“She’s working with investigators.”
Guests nearby turned to listen.
Elena raised the forged transfer document.
“You stole my money. You forged my signature, and you lied to investors.”
Celeste grabbed the silver serving tray from a waiter.
“You miserable little traitor.”
The tray swung through the air.
Elena turned away. Its edge brushed the side of her face before slipping from Celeste’s hands and crashing onto the floor.
Daniel grabbed Elena’s arm.
“You’re leaving. Now.”
Elena struggled to keep her balance.
“You forged my signature.”
Daniel dragged her toward the doors.
“You’ll say you slipped.”
Then the SUVs arrived.
Their headlights filled the hall.
Margaret entered first.
“Elena?”
Behind her came Robert Vale, carrying the evidence case. Naomi Grant and several security officers followed.
Robert placed the case on the marble floor.
“Take your hands off our daughter.”
Daniel released Elena.
Naomi stepped forward.
“Daniel Mercer, Celeste Mercer, and Marcus Venn are being detained in connection with financial fraud, identity theft, conspiracy, and obstruction of an ongoing investigation.”
Gasps moved through the room.
Marcus attempted to leave through a side corridor, but officers were already waiting.
Celeste pointed toward Elena.
“She stole private family records.”
Brianna stepped from behind the floral arch.
“No, Mother.”
She was still wearing her wedding gown.
“I opened the safe.”
Celeste stared at her daughter as though she no longer recognized her.
May you like
Brianna continued.
“And I gave them everything.”
