Chapter 2: The Family Falls Apart

"I can explain!" Preston shouted as officers led him away.

But nobody believed him anymore.

His new bride slowly removed her wedding ring.

Without saying a single word...

She placed it into his trembling hands.

"I married a stranger."

Then she walked away.

Reporters gathered outside the hotel within an hour.

The security footage spread across television stations and social media overnight.

Millions watched the video.

Millions saw the little girl standing quietly before Preston planted the phone.

The internet gave him a new nickname.

The Monster Groom.

Soon another truth surfaced.

Former employees contacted detectives.

Several admitted Preston had blamed coworkers for money that later appeared inside their lockers.

A college roommate confessed Preston once framed another student for cheating.

Even family friends admitted they had witnessed years of manipulation...

But had stayed silent because Preston was "the favorite."

His parents appeared on television defending him.

"He had a difficult childhood," his mother insisted.

The public wasn't interested anymore.

For the first time in decades...

Their excuses no longer worked.

Police expanded the investigation.

Insurance fraud.

Financial deception.

False accusations.

Everything Preston had hidden behind charm...

Began collapsing one crime at a time.

Meanwhile...

Sophie's surgery was successful.

The cut required several stitches.

But doctors promised she would recover completely.

When she finally opened her eyes...

Her first question wasn't about the wedding.

"Did I do something bad?"

Evelyn broke down for the first time.

She kissed her daughter's forehead.

"No, sweetheart."

"The bad people just don't like being exposed."