Chapter 3 - The Empty Promises
No security guards answered Clara’s frantic calls; instead, the venue manager stepped forward from the shadows with a solemn expression on his face.
“Mrs. Vance, your contract and your credit cards were flagged twenty minutes ago by federal authorities for wire fraud and identity theft,” the manager stated flatly, handing a folder to Julian.
Julian snatched the manila folder from the manager’s hands, his hands trembling as he flipped open the heavy cardboard cover to reveal bank statements bearing Clara’s signature.
“You transferred my entire corporate portfolio into off-shore accounts using forged power-of-attorney documents while I was grieving?” Julian whispered, looking up at Clara with pure venom in his eyes.
Clara backed away until her spine hit the towering wedding cake, sending decorative sugar pearls scattering across the white-and-pink frosting in a messy avalanche.
“I did it for us, Julian! I wanted to secure our future so we never had to worry about money again!” Clara cried out, abandoning all pretense of innocence as desperation took over.
Elena adjusted her trench coat, handing Lily a small handkerchief to wipe her nose before stepping past the frozen bridesmaids toward the altar.
“You never cared about anyone but yourself, Clara. You even tried to convince Julian that I had abandoned my family because I was unstable,” Elena said calmly, her voice carrying across the silent room.
Julian slammed the folder shut, the loud slap echoing like a gunshot through the cavernous ballroom as he marched toward Clara with heavy, threatening strides.
“Tell me the truth right now, Clara, or I swear I will personally see to it that you spend the rest of your natural life behind bars,” Julian growled, towering over her.
Clara slid down the side of the wedding cake, smearing white frosting all over the back of her expensive designer dress as she looked around the room for a single ally.
Every single guest looked away, turning their backs on the disgraced bride who had lied, cheated, and manipulated her way into high society.
“You can’t put me in jail, Julian! I know all your dark business secrets! I know how you acquired the land for this hotel chain!” Clara shrieked in a manic, desperate gamble.
Julian froze instantly, a shadow crossing his face as he realized Clara was ready to drag down everyone in the room just to save her own skin.
Elena watched the exchange with a cold, knowing smile, stepping closer to the groom who had once promised her the world before turning his back on her memory.
“It looks like your shiny new life is built on a foundation of quicksand, Julian. And the storm has only just begun to wash it all away,” Elena whispered softly.
May you like
Before Julian could answer or lunge at Clara, the heavy double doors of the ballroom burst open once more, revealing a squad of federal agents in tactical gear.
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