Chapter 6 - The Mask Drops
Every conversation on the terrace ceased instantly. Uncle Thomas set down his glass. Mom, who had rushed behind Emily from Napa in a frantic scramble, tried to grab Emily’s shoulder to restrain her, but Emily violently shoved her away.
Emily charged up the terrace steps, lunging forward until she grabbed both of my shoulders, her manicured nails digging directly into my red silk gown. Her mouth was open in a furious, unhinged snarl, her bridal veil whipping in the breeze.
"You took Grandma! You took my family!" Emily shrieked, her voice cracking with pure venom. "You’ve spent your entire life trying to ruin everything I have! Look at you, wearing red to compete with my wedding day! Who do you think you are?!"
Behind us, Aunt Clara covered her mouth in absolute horror. The family members stood frozen, watching the golden child completely unravel into a screaming, violent spectacle.
I didn't flinch. I didn't yell. I stood tall, meeting her wild eyes with calm, unflinching dignity, my silver clutch resting steadily in my left hand.
"Emily, take your hands off me," I said, my voice quiet, clear, and resonant across the courtyard.
"No!" Emily spat, her face inches from mine. "You're going to tell everyone to get in their cars and come to my resort right now, or I swear to God I will make sure the family never speaks to you again!"
"Enough!" a commanding voice echoed.
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Grandma Eleanor stood up from her cushioned armchair, using her polished wooden cane to step firmly between us. Her eyes were sharp as flint, her posture towering with absolute authority.
"Eleanor, get back in the limousine," Grandma ordered, pointing her cane toward the driveway. "You have disgraced this family enough for one lifetime."
