Chapter 3: The Wedding Interrupted
Saturday morning arrived beneath clear California skies.
Hundreds of guests filled the vineyard overlooking the valley.
Television personalities.
Politicians.
Business leaders.
Every camera pointed toward the flower-covered altar.
Ivy walked slowly beside their father.
She looked breathtaking.
She also looked trapped.
When the officiant asked,
"Who gives this woman in marriage?"
Nora stood.
"I object."
Gasps swept through the audience.
Caleb remained perfectly composed.
"This isn't a courtroom," he said politely.
"No," Nora answered.
"But the truth belongs everywhere."
She walked toward Ivy.
"Ivy."
Her sister couldn't meet her eyes.
"You don't have to marry him."
Caleb stepped forward.
"Security."
Before anyone moved, Nora connected her phone to the estate's massive outdoor display that had been prepared for the wedding slideshow.
The recording from the previous night echoed across the vineyard.
"...Bruises heal."
"...I've made sure she depends on me..."
"...The wedding keeps the nonprofit under our control."
The silence afterward felt endless.
Every guest stared at Caleb.
Every camera was still recording.
May you like
For the first time since arriving in Napa Valley...
Caleb Whitlock had no perfect answer.
