Chapter 8 - The Trap Closes on My Parents
I pushed the ballroom doors open to a scene that made my blood boil.
My father was standing on the stage, a microphone in his hand, speaking to a woman holding a professional camera. The remaining guests were watching in a mix of awe and disgust.
"—always knew Daniel was special," my father was saying, puffing out his chest. "We welcomed him into our family with open arms, recognizing the brilliance beneath his temporary struggles."
"That's a lie," I said loudly.
My voice cut through the room without a microphone. Everyone turned. I marched down the center aisle, the same path I had walked hours ago to get married.
My mother’s fake smile faltered. "Emily, darling, we're just telling the press about our wonderful new son-in-law."
"You told me this morning that marrying him was the biggest mistake of my life," I stated, stopping at the base of the stage. "You said I was embarrassing the family."
The reporter’s eyes lit up. She quickly turned her camera toward me, sensing the real story.
"Emily, you're emotional," my father hissed, trying to cover his microphone. "Don't ruin this. Vanguard could save my firm."
"Vanguard isn't saving anything," Daniel's voice echoed from behind me.
I turned. He was walking down the aisle, his presence commanding the room instantly. He stepped up beside me, placing a supportive hand on my lower back.
"Richard," Daniel addressed my father, his tone strictly business. "I reviewed your firm's financials during my 'temporary struggles' on the street. You're bankrupt. You've been over-leveraging for years to maintain your country club lifestyle."
My father turned pale. The reporter's camera kept rolling.
"You can't discuss my private business here!" my father stammered.
"You decided to make family business public when you invited a reporter to my wedding," Daniel countered effortlessly. "Vanguard will not be acquiring your firm. We do not invest in bad debt or bad character."
My mother gasped, clutching her pearls. "You can't do this to us! We're family!"
"Family supports each other," I interrupted, looking directly at my mother. "You didn't support me. You only supported the Vanguard name. As of today, you are cut off."
"You don't mean that, Emily," my mother sneered, dropping the sweet act. "You'll be back when this fake little fairy tale falls apart."
"Security," Daniel called out calmly.
The two guards who had removed Marcus reappeared. They approached the stage.
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"Escort Mr. and Mrs. Harrison off the property," Daniel ordered. "They are no longer on the guest list."
My parents sputtered and protested, but the guards were firm. The room watched in stunned silence as the bride's parents were marched out of the very wedding they had tried to hijack.
