Four final payments were scheduled for midnight, all protected by cancellation clauses I had demanded. The vendors had completed only what the deposits covered. Everything else depended on my approval.

Mom raised her glass. “To Vanessa, the daughter who made us proud.”

I pressed Cancel All.

Then I smiled at the guard.

“I’ll leave,” I said. “But the wedding leaves with me.”

Part 2

I had barely taken three steps when Marisol, the wedding planner, checked her tablet and turned pale.

“Claire,” she called out.

The room slowly quieted. Vanessa rolled her eyes.

“Deal with it later,” she snapped. “We’re about to cut the cake.”

Marisol hurried toward the stage. “The final authorization has been withdrawn.”

Adrian lowered his glass. “What authorization?”

“The balance for the ballroom, catering extension, floral setup, transportation, brunch, and honeymoon package.”

Mom gave a nervous laugh. “That’s ridiculous. Everything has already been paid.”

“The deposits were paid,” Marisol explained. “The remaining balance is due tonight.”

Vanessa stared at her. “Then charge the card on file.”

Marisol looked at me.

Every guest turned.

I held up my phone. “That card is mine.”

Silence fell across the ballroom.

Mom stepped down from the stage, her expression twisting. “You’re lying.”

Marisol opened the contract. “Ms. Claire Bennett is listed as the contracting client and financial guarantor.”

Adrian grabbed the papers and scanned the signature blocks.

Vanessa’s voice shook. “You told me a friend was covering it.”

“I told you I arranged it,” I said. “You never asked how.”

Mom seized my wrist. “Turn those payments back on.”

I looked down at her hand until she let go.

“Ask your successful son-in-law.”

Adrian straightened. “Fine. What’s the balance?”

Marisol named the amount.

$192,000.

The color drained from his face.

Vanessa whispered, “Pay it.”

“I can’t move that kind of money tonight.”

“You said your investment fund cleared eight figures last quarter.”

Guests began murmuring. Adrian glanced toward the business partners sitting near the dance floor.

“That money is committed.”

I opened another file on my phone. “Committed, or imaginary?”

His eyes snapped toward me.