The crystal chandeliers of the grand ballroom sparkled under the bright afternoon sun. Waiters in black vests carried silver trays of champagne through the crowd of high-society guests. Victoria stood near a polished cocktail table, smoothing down the train of her expensive white silk wedding gown. Her diamonds caught the light as she looked down at the older woman standing opposite her.
Victoria: You should have accepted my offer when you had the chance, Evelyn.
Evelyn: That land has been in my family for three generations, Victoria. It was never yours to sell.
Victoria: It is mine now. The paper contract was signed two hours ago.
Evelyn: You forged my signature on those property deeds. I know what you did.
Victoria: Prove it in court if you can afford a real lawyer. YOUR FARMHOUSE IS ALREADY SETTLED!
Victoria pulled a sleek smartphone from her lace clutch and slid it across the white tablecloth.
Marcus stepped up beside his bride, adjusting his tuxedo bow tie. He looked down at the glowing screen, his eyes widening as he tapped the video feed.
Marcus: Is that live footage from the security cameras on the ridge?
Victoria: Take a close look, Marcus. My moving crew is already unloading the trucks.
Marcus: THEY'RE ALREADY INSIDE?!
Victoria: Every single room is being cleared out as we speak. Her personal belongings are on the curb.
Evelyn did not scream or cry. She reached down with steady fingers and picked up her crystal champagne glass, taking a slow sip. Her icy blue eyes met the bride's arrogant stare without a single tremor.
Evelyn: THEN THIS WEDDING ENDS WITHOUT ME!
Evelyn turned her back on the cocktail table and began walking calmly toward the double glass doors of the ballroom. Her firm heels clicked rhythmically against the marble floor as the surrounding guests turned to watch.
Marcus dropped the phone onto the linen tablecloth, his face twisting into explosive rage as he strode after her.
Marcus: Stop right there! You don't get to turn your back on my family!
He caught up to her near the main archway, stepping directly into her path with his chest puffed out.
Marcus: HOW DARE YOU WALK AWAY FROM US?!
Before Evelyn could answer, Marcus pulled his right arm back and slapped her hard across the face, leaving a red stain on her pale cheek that would change everything.