Chapter 2 - THE BRIDE WHO NEEDED EVERYTHING
Brittany’s wedding had begun as a small ceremony for eighty guests.
Within six weeks, it had become a luxury event for two hundred people at the Hawthorne Estate.
The estate sat on thirty acres north of the city, with stone terraces, sculpted gardens, a private lake, and a decorative pond surrounded by white flowers.
Brittany had chosen the pond for the ceremony because she said the water reflected purity.
The location alone cost $190,000.
Then came the flowers, custom lighting, musicians, private chefs, imported champagne, designer tableware, security, transportation, and a temporary glass pavilion in case of rain.
The total budget passed $1.4 million.
Howard agreed to pay for most of it, but only after Austin promised that the amount would not rise again.
Three days later, Brittany added a second wedding gown.
A week after that, she requested a firework display.
By the end of the month, the projected cost had reached $1.9 million.
Loretta tried to discuss it with Austin over lunch.
They met at a quiet restaurant near Miller Urban Development’s headquarters. Austin arrived twenty minutes late and spent the first part of the meal answering messages from Brittany.
“You look tired,” Loretta said.
“I’m planning a wedding and handling three projects at work.”
“You were removed from two of those projects.”
Austin put down his phone.
“Did Dad tell you that?”
“He tells me when he’s worried.”
“He’s always worried when I do something without asking permission.”
Loretta studied her son.
He had Howard’s dark eyes but none of his father’s patience. As a child, Austin had been affectionate and curious. As an adult, he often mistook generosity for weakness and advice for control.
“I’m not here to criticize you.”
“Then why are we talking about work?”
“We’re talking about the wedding.”
Austin leaned back.
“Brittany deserves something beautiful.”
“She deserves a happy day. That is not the same as spending nearly $2 million.”
“It’s Dad’s money.”
The words came so easily that Loretta nearly failed to understand them.
“It is your father’s life,” she said quietly. “His work. His risk. His time.”
Austin looked away.
“I didn’t mean it like that.”
“How did you mean it?”
Before he could answer, Brittany entered the restaurant.
She was not supposed to be there.
She kissed Austin, sat beside him, and placed her handbag on the empty chair between herself and Loretta.
“I hope I’m not interrupting.”
Loretta smiled politely.
“We were discussing the wedding budget.”
Brittany sighed.
“Howard already approved everything.”
“He approved the original budget.”
“And every change has been necessary.”
“A second dress is necessary?”
“It is for the reception.”
Loretta took a slow breath.
“This is not about one dress.”
“No,” Brittany said. “It’s about your difficulty accepting that Austin has a new priority.”
Austin stared at the table.
Loretta waited for him to speak.
He did not.
Brittany continued.
“You had him for thirty years. I’m not asking for much.”
“You are asking for almost $2 million and an apartment.”
Brittany’s eyes narrowed.
“There it is.”
“What?”
“The part where you remind me that your family paid.”
Loretta felt heat rise into her face.
“I am reminding both of you that there should be limits.”
Brittany reached for Austin’s hand.
“This is why I didn’t want to come.”
Austin finally looked at his mother.
“Can we do this another time?”
Loretta understood that she had been dismissed.
She collected her handbag and stood.
“Austin, your father loves you. So do I. But love does not mean pretending not to see what is happening.”
Brittany smiled faintly.
“And what exactly is happening?”
Loretta looked at her.
“I haven’t decided yet.”
Outside the restaurant, Loretta stood beneath the awning and waited for her driver.
Through the window, she saw Brittany immediately take out a folder.
Austin opened it.
Brittany pointed to several pages and then handed him a pen.
Loretta could not read the documents from the sidewalk.
But she saw the blue stripe running across the top of each page.
It was the same blue stripe used on every document issued by the Miller Family Trust.
That evening, Howard checked the secure portal again.
Austin had attempted to access the apartment file.
This time, his request had been denied.
Ten minutes later, Howard received an email from his attorney.
May you like
Someone had contacted the trust office asking how ownership could be transferred before the one-year restriction expired.
The caller had claimed to be Loretta Miller.
