The minister stepped up to the wooden podium under the grand American flag, clearing his throat as the classical string quartet finished its song. The entire ballroom fell into a quiet, expectant hush.
Victoria stepped through the double doors at the back of the hall, wearing her flowing white lace wedding gown, holding a bouquet of white roses. Her veil shimmered under the bright daylight as she walked gracefully down the center aisle toward Julian, who stood near the altar in his grey suit.
Arthur sat in the front row beside me, puffing out his chest, a satisfied smirk on his lips as he watched Victoria approach.
Minister: Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in this grand home to join Julian Sterling and Victoria Vance in holy matrimony.
Victoria reached the altar, stepping up beside Julian. She turned her head slightly, offering Arthur a subtle, lingering glance before looking back at her groom.
Minister: If anyone here knows any reason why these two should not be joined in lawful marriage, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.
I sat in my chair, keeping my hands folded over my blue silk dress, remaining completely silent.
Arthur: Continue, minister. Nobody has anything to say.
Julian: Actually, Father, I have something to say.
Julian turned away from the minister, stepping to the edge of the altar platform, pulling a thick brown leather binder from beneath his grey suit jacket.
Arthur: Julian, what are you doing? Put those papers away and finish your vows!
Julian: The vows are already finished, Father. And so is your position as primary trustee of Sterling Global.
A sudden wave of shocked murmurs swept through the two hundred guests. Board members in the second row stood up from their gold chairs, leaning forward to see what Julian was holding.
Arthur: Have you lost your mind, Julian?! You are standing in front of the entire city council!
Julian: I am standing in front of the people who deserve to know where forty million dollars of my mother's estate went fifteen years ago.
Arthur: Your mother's estate was liquidated into corporate assets under my sole authority!
Julian: Your sole authority ended twenty minutes ago in the private study, Father. When you signed the master land transfer deed Victoria brought you.
Arthur's jaw dropped open. He looked at Victoria, who was calmly removing her white lace veil and dropping it onto the marble floor.
Arthur: Victoria... what did you have me sign in that room?! You said those were New York development permits!
Victoria: New York development permits don't require an executive power of attorney release, Arthur. You signed full management proxy over to Julian.
Arthur: You... you tricked me! You lured me into that room!
Victoria: You lured yourself into that room, Arthur. You thought a girl half your age actually wanted an old man in a tuxedo.
The entire ballroom erupted into gasps and furious shouting. Guests pulled out their smartphones, recording video clips as Arthur stumbled backward against the marble railing, his face bright red with rage and embarrassment.