Chapter 18 - THE WEDDING THAT NEVER HAPPENED|
The Sinclair estate was decorated with white roses and crystal chandeliers.
A string quartet played near the entrance. Guests arrived in expensive cars, and photographers waited behind velvet ropes.
Elena entered through the side door with Claire Donovan and two agents.
She wore a simple navy dress and carried no handbag. The evidence was already secured.
Rafael stood near the altar.
He looked calm, but Elena noticed the tension in his shoulders.
Vivienne approached him in her wedding gown.
"Are you really going to do this?"
Rafael looked at her.
"Do what?"
"Destroy both our families in front of everyone."
"Your father did that when he arranged Luca's death."
Vivienne lowered her eyes.
"I didn't know about the car."
"But you knew about the shipment."
She did not deny it.
"Are you going to arrest me too?"
"That isn't my decision."
She looked across the room and saw Elena.
For a moment, the two women stared at one another.
Then Vivienne whispered:
"At least you get to choose whom you love."
Elena did not answer.
Charles Sinclair entered the ceremony hall.
He approached Rafael with a folder.
"Everything is ready."
Rafael took the documents.
"Have you signed the final transfer?"
Charles smiled.
"That is what the ceremony is for."
Rafael opened the folder.
"Then perhaps you should read the last page."
Charles's smile faded.
The final page contained a statement that the original harbor agreement was under investigation and that all transfers were suspended pending legal review.
"What is this?"
"An accurate description of the situation."
Charles lowered his voice.
"You have no idea what you're doing."
"I know exactly what I'm doing."
Charles glanced toward the guests.
"Sign the agreement. We can discuss the rest privately."
Rafael looked toward Claire.
She gave a small nod.
The recording was active.
"Tell me about the shipment twelve years ago," Rafael said.
Charles's face hardened.
"This is not the time."
"Tell me who ordered the car to be sabotaged."
Vivienne stepped backward.
Charles turned toward her.
"Get him under control."
She did not move.
Rafael placed the ledger on the table.
"Daniel Brooks kept the records. Victor Hale has already confessed."
Charles looked at the evidence.
Then he looked toward the doors.
The agents entered.
"Charles Sinclair, you are under arrest pending further investigation into conspiracy, financial fraud, and the death of Daniel Brooks and Luca Moretti."
The room erupted.
Guests stood. Cameras flashed. Someone screamed.
Charles tried to push past the agents.
He was stopped before reaching the exit.
Vivienne removed her engagement ring and placed it on the table.
Rafael did not look at her.
The wedding was over before the first vow had been spoken.
But as Elena watched the agents lead Charles away, she saw one more person standing near the back of the room.
Alessandro.
May you like
He was holding a sealed envelope.
And he looked terrified.
