Chapter 7 - The Parking GarageSecurity stopped Vanessa’s car before it reached the gate.
Martin was driving.
Vanessa sat beside him.
Maya asked them both to step out.
Martin demanded a lawyer.
Vanessa demanded to speak to me.
Maya refused.
I watched from an upstairs office through the security feed.
Daniel stood beside me.
“You don’t have to watch.”
“Yes, I do.”
Vanessa got out slowly.
She looked up toward the camera.
Straight at it.
As if she knew I was behind the screen.
Then she raised her phone.
A message appeared on mine.
SISTER TO SISTER. FIVE MINUTES. NO LAWYERS.
Daniel read it.
“No.”
I typed:
Ballroom. Public. Two minutes.
Andrew looked at me.
“That’s a terrible idea.”
“Then stand ten feet away.”
Vanessa returned upstairs escorted by security.
Martin stayed with Maya.
In the empty ballroom, confetti still covered the floor.
My wedding flowers smelled too sweet.
Vanessa stopped in front of me.
“You’re really doing this.”
“You ruined my dress.”
She laughed.
“That’s what you care about?”
“No.”
I stepped closer.
“That’s what you thought I cared about.”
Her eyes hardened.
I continued.
“You thought I’d scream. Cancel the ceremony. Send Daniel home. Make today about the dress.”
“You always make everything about you.”
There she was.
Same old weapon.
I did not pick it up.
“Where is the trust amendment?”
Vanessa smiled.
“You don’t have it?”
“No.”
“Then maybe Mom changed her mind.”
Andrew stepped forward.
“She didn’t.”
Vanessa glared.
“Stay out of this.”
He held up his phone.
“She filed notice of amendment with her attorney. The original helps, but it isn’t required.”
Her smile weakened.
I asked again.
“Where is it?”
Vanessa leaned close enough that I could smell champagne.
“Ask your husband.”
My body went cold.
Daniel stared.
“What?”
Vanessa turned toward him.
“You really never told her?”
He looked genuinely confused.
“Tell her what?”
Vanessa laughed.
Then looked at me.
“Daniel’s father bought twenty percent of Collins Design debt last year.”
I turned to my husband.
“Is that true?”
His face changed.
“My father’s investment fund did.”
Vanessa whispered:
“And if Collins defaults, your brand belongs to his family.”
I stared at Daniel.
The wedding ring on my finger suddenly felt heavier.
May you like
Vanessa smiled again.
“Congratulations, Mrs. Hart.”
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