A loud collective gasp echoed through the ballroom. Sarah’s face turned bright red with pure anger and embarrassment. She turned to Mark, grabbing his designer suit jacket and shaking him violently as tears started to ruin her expensive wedding makeup.
Sarah: Mark! Tell me he is lying! Tell me your family is not broke! Tell me we own this place!
Mark: Sarah, calm down... my dad told me everything was under control with the bank!
Mark's Father: Silence, both of you! Val, you cannot do this! We built the reputation of this hotel over ten years! You know nothing about running a business!
Val: You built your reputation on money stolen from my father’s estate while I was left with nothing.
Sarah: You ruined my life, Val! You always hated me because I was prettier and had a better family!
Val: I never hated you, Sarah. I endured years of your cruelty while you lived in luxury using my trust fund money. Today, justice is simply being served.
Val turned to Mr. Vance, the general manager, who stood attentively beside her holding an electronic tablet. She was done listening to the empty excuses of people who had mistreated her for so long. The legal settlement papers were clear, and she had full power over the premises.
Val: Mr. Vance, what is the policy for events held without valid payment on the premises?
Hotel Manager: Unpaid events must be terminated immediately, Miss Val, and all venue facilities locked down.
Mark's Father: Wait! We can write you a personal check right now for the venue fee! Give us twenty-four hours!
Val: Your personal accounts were frozen by the judge at nine o'clock this morning, sir. You have no money to give.
Sarah: Please, Val! It is my wedding day! Every rich person in the state is here watching us! Do not do this to me!
Val: You told me ten minutes ago that I did not belong here because of my clothes, Sarah. You showed me no mercy, so why should I give you any?
Val looked at the crowd of wealthy guests who had spent the morning laughing at her simple jeans and white tank top. Now, those same guests were looking at her with wide eyes full of respect and shock. She held her head high, feeling the weight of her father's legacy finally resting safely in her hands.