St. Patrick's Cathedral was filled with the scent of white lilies and beeswax candles. Society photographers lined the center aisle as organ music echoed off the vaulted stone ceiling.
Mother Vance: Clara, darling, you look pale. Did you get any sleep at all last night?
Clara: I got enough sleep to see everything clearly, Eleanor.
Julian stood at the front of the altar in his custom tailored tuxedo, adjusting his diamond cufflinks with a smug smile on his face.
Julian: I see you decided to be sensible and wear the dress, Clara. I assume the signed papers are with your bridesmaid?
Clara: The papers are right here, Julian. In my bridal bouquet.
The priest raised his hands to begin the ceremony, but Clara stepped forward and pulled a wireless microphone from the floral arrangement.
Priest: My dear child, what are you doing?
Clara: Excuse me, everyone. Before we take any vows before God and this city, there is an announcement that needs to be made regarding the groom's estate.
The congregation erupted into confused whispers as Julian's face turned from smug satisfaction to deep crimson rage.
Julian: Clara, stop this nonsense right now. Hand over the microphone and let the priest finish.
Clara: Are you nervous, Julian? Are you worried that your board of trustees sitting in the third row might hear the truth before twelve o'clock?
Eleanor Vance: Clara! You are humiliating our family in front of the entire city press!
Clara: Your son humiliated this church when he tried to force me into a fraudulent prenup to steal an eighty-million-dollar inheritance!
The church doors slammed open at the back of the cathedral, and two men in tailored suits walked down the aisle alongside Elena Miller.
Julian: Security! Remove these people immediately!
Attorney Ross: Julian Vance, I am Marcus Ross, court-appointed special master representing the Arthur Vance Trust and the state probate division.
Julian: You have no jurisdiction at my private wedding!
Attorney Ross: We have jurisdiction anywhere fraud against a court-ordered estate is being committed. We received a digital affidavit and bank records two hours ago.
Clara: Show them the ring, Elena.
Elena stepped into the center aisle, holding up the identical platinum band with her engraved initials visible under the high-definition cameras.
Elena: This ring was never his to give. And this marriage is nothing more than a criminal deadline scheme.