Chapter 4: The Microphone Reveal
Eleanor walked toward the stage. Nobody tried to stop her. The security guards, recognizing Arthur Sterling’s authority, had backed away. She stepped up to the microphone, the feedback whine making everyone wince.
"I didn't come here to ruin your day," Eleanor said into the mic, her voice echoing off the vaulted ceiling. "I came here to collect my investment."
She looked at the guests. "To the investors in the room: Ethan and Tiffany are currently under federal investigation for securities fraud. Their accounts have been frozen as of four minutes ago. Any gifts of value brought to this wedding are now property of the receivership."
May you like
The crowd turned as one, looking at the bride and groom with daggers of resentment. These weren't friends; they were business associates, and they had all been sold a lie. The outrage in the room was palpable—a mixture of greed and betrayal.
Tiffany let out a high-pitched, hysterical sound, her mascara streaming down her face as she realized her life of luxury had just evaporated. Ethan just stood there, staring at the floor, knowing that the manila envelope Arthur Sterling held contained not just bank statements, but a prison sentence.
