Chapter 6 - The Final Rehearsal
The rehearsal dinner took place in a private restaurant overlooking the city.
Richard sat at one end of the table. Victoria sat at the other. Between them, relatives exchanged polite conversation while hidden resentment filled the room.
Elena wore a high-collared blue dress. Nolan had chosen it for her.
Maya attended as Elena’s maid of honor. Two undercover investigators posed as members of the wedding staff.
Throughout dinner, Nolan behaved like the man Elena had first met.
He told charming stories. He praised Richard’s business achievements. He thanked the guests for supporting their future.
Watching him perform made Elena understand how easily people could confuse charm with character.
After dessert, Victoria raised her glass.
“Tomorrow, two great families become one.”
Richard looked directly at her.
“Families do not become one through contracts.”
Victoria’s smile remained fixed.
“Of course not.”
Nolan placed his hand over Elena’s.
His grip tightened beneath the table.
Later, he followed Elena into the hallway.
“What did you tell your father?”
“Nothing beyond what we discussed.”
“He was staring at my mother.”
“He has never liked losing control.”
Nolan moved closer.
“Tomorrow, you will sign the trust documents before the ceremony.”
“I thought we agreed on the morning.”
“That is the morning.”
“I want my attorney to review them.”
His face darkened.
“That woman Maya has poisoned you again.”
“She’s my friend.”
“She is not welcome at the ceremony.”
“She is my maid of honor.”
“Not anymore.”
Elena tried to step away.
Nolan blocked her path.
“You disappeared for a week, accused my family of theft and embarrassed my mother. I forgave you because I understand that you are overwhelmed. Do not test that forgiveness.”
Maya appeared at the end of the hallway.
“Elena, your father is looking for you.”
Nolan immediately stepped aside.
The next morning, the ballroom was transformed into a glittering white landscape.
Thousands of roses surrounded the aisle. Crystal chandeliers reflected against polished marble. Reporters gathered outside because the Ward-Pierce wedding had been described as the business marriage of the year.
Elena sat before a mirror in the bridal suite while stylists adjusted her veil.
Maya locked the door after the last stylist left.
“Daniel has the photographs,” she said. “The warrants were approved an hour ago.”
“Then why continue?”
“They need Victoria to access the final account. She scheduled a transfer during the ceremony, assuming everyone would be distracted.”
Elena stared at her reflection.
“After today, this ends.”
Maya placed both hands on her shoulders.
“It ends the moment you choose.”
A knock sounded at the door.
Nolan entered before receiving permission.
He carried the trust documents.
Maya stood.
“You are not supposed to be in here.”
Nolan ignored her.
“Elena and I need privacy.”
“She has nothing to discuss with you privately.”
Nolan looked at Elena.
“Tell her to leave.”
Elena rose.
“Maya stays.”
The mask slipped from Nolan’s face.
He placed the documents on the table.
“Sign.”
“No.”
“You agreed.”
“I agreed to attend the ceremony.”
“You agreed to become my wife.”
“I will not sign away my company.”
Nolan looked toward Maya.
“This is your fault.”
Maya reached for her phone.
Nolan snatched the device from her hand and threw it onto the sofa.
Elena stepped between them.
“Leave her alone.”
“You have made me look like a fool for the last time.”
He seized Elena’s arm.
She pulled free.
Nolan’s hand moved suddenly.
Elena stumbled against the edge of the dressing table.
The room fell silent.
There was no dramatic scream. Only the sound of a makeup brush rolling across the floor.
Maya rushed to Elena.
A bruise was already forming beneath her eye. Her lip had split slightly against the corner of the table.
Nolan stared at her as though the consequence belonged to someone else.
“You should not have challenged me,” he said.
The hidden camera inside Elena’s necklace was still recording.
Maya looked toward the security button beneath the table.
Elena stopped her.
“Not yet.”
Nolan blinked.
Elena slowly stood.
“You want your ceremony?” she asked.
His confidence returned.
“Yes.”
“Then go wait at the altar.”
Nolan adjusted his jacket.
“Fix your face.”
He left the room.
Maya stared at Elena.
“Why did you let him leave?”
“Because there are three hundred witnesses waiting downstairs.”
“Elena, you don’t have to prove anything else.”
“I’m not proving it.”
May you like
Elena looked at herself in the mirror.
“I’m ending it where he believed he would become untouchable.”
