Chapter 2: The Uninvited Guest
The organ music began to swell, a majestic prelude to the vows. But before Chloe could take her first step down the aisle, the heavy oak doors at the back of the ballroom slammed open, echoing like a gunshot.
The music died. The laughter in the room evaporated, replaced by a sudden, chilling silence.
A man in a sharp, slate-gray suit walked in. He wasn't a guest. He moved with a tactical precision that made the security team instinctively step back. He stopped in the center of the aisle, his eyes locking onto Mark with the intensity of a predator. He pulled a leather wallet from his jacket, snapping it open to reveal a federal badge.
"Special Agent David Vance, FBI," he announced, his voice carrying to the very back of the hall.
Mark’s face drained of color. "This is a private wedding," he stammered, his arrogance faltering. "You have no jurisdiction here. Get out."
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Vance didn't look at Mark. He turned his head slightly toward the floor, where Elias was still kneeling near the crushed rose. "I’m not here for a wedding, Mark. I’m here for an investigation. And for the record, he didn't bring those roses for your bride."
The guests began to whisper. Sarah, the bride, took a step back, her dress rustling like dry leaves. "What is he talking about, Mark?"
