Chapter 2: The Price of Respect
Chapter 2: The Price of Respect
Clara turned toward the venue manager.
"Please begin Phase Two."
"Yes, ma'am."
Immediately, dozens of staff members moved with perfect coordination.
The musicians stopped playing.
The floral decorations surrounding the Whitlock family table were quietly removed.
The personalized champagne bottles bearing the Whitlock name disappeared.
The giant welcome sign reading
THE WEDDING OF ANDREW & CLARA
was lowered.
Moments later...
A new screen appeared.
PRIVATE EVENT CANCELED
The room fell into stunned silence.
Patricia exploded.
"You can't do this!"
The manager answered politely.
"Actually, she can."
"This property belongs entirely to Miss Mason."
"The event contract allows the owner to terminate the ceremony in the event of intentional property destruction."
He glanced toward the torn dress.
"The security cameras have already recorded everything."
Patricia's face turned pale.
Andrew stepped closer.
"Clara... please..."
She finally looked directly into his eyes.
"For six years I stood beside you."
"I defended you."
"I trusted you."
"And today..."
She glanced toward Patricia.
"...when your mother humiliated me in front of everyone..."
"You asked me to apologize."
Andrew lowered his head.
Because there was nothing left to defend.
The silence surrounding him felt heavier than the marble beneath his feet.
May you like
For the first time in his life...
Privilege offered no protection.
