Devastating Napa Vineyard Scandal Forces Arrogant Groom and Spoiled Daughter to Confront the Unstoppable Mother Who Stripped Away Their Unearned Empire
CHAPTER 2
The heavy iron gates of Collins Ridge Vineyard sat firmly locked as three dozen luxury cars lined up along Highway 29. Dusty country air blew over polished BMWs, Mercedes sedans, and hired limousines as well-dressed guests stepped out onto the gravel in high heels and designer tuxedos.
Greg stood at the keypads in front of the main entrance, furiously typing digits into the glowing green panel. Red light after red light flashed back at him, accompanied by a sharp, high-pitched rejection beep that echoed down the quiet valley.
"Try the master code again!" Samantha screamed, her expensive silk veil blowing wildly across her face in the afternoon breeze. "She wouldn't just change the security access! She wouldn't dare do this on my wedding day!"
"I've typed it six times, Samantha!" Greg yelled back, his face turning a deep, angry shade of purple beneath his golden tan. "Your mother has completely shut us out of the system!"
Behind them, Greg’s father, Richard Montgomery, approached with a dark sneer, smoothing his custom tailor-made jacket.
"What is the meaning of this amateur circus?" Richard demanded, gesturing toward the motionless security cameras fixed upon them. "Where are the valets? Where is the catering staff we were promised?"
Samantha pulled out her phone with trembling hands, dialing my number for the thirtieth time in forty minutes.
Each call went straight to automated voicemail, her frantic words vanishing into the silence of my turned-off phone.
Two security vehicles marked with the official crest of Napa Valley Farm Security pulled up slowly from inside the property grounds.
Ben stepped out of the lead truck, his broad shoulders squared beneath a heavy canvas work jacket, holding a clipboard in his weathered left hand.
"Good afternoon, folks," Ben said calmly through the thick iron bars of the perimeter gate. "I'm afraid I have to ask everyone to clear the private driveway."
"Do you know who I am?" Greg shouted, stepping up to the gate and grabbing the cold iron rails. "I am Greg Montgomery! This property is being handed over to my wife today!"
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Ben didn't flinch, nor did his expression change as he looked directly into Greg's panicked eyes.
"The owner of Collins Ridge, Mrs. Andrea Collins, has issued a formal trespass warning for all unauthorized parties," Ben stated smoothly. "The wedding event on this property has been officially canceled, and the estate is closed to the public."
