Chapter 4 - The ConfrontationThe silence hanging over the ceremony space was thick enough to cut with a knife. Michael stood at the altar, sweating profusely through his crisp collar, his eyes constantly darting from the minister to where Gabriel and I sat in the front row.
Gabriel sat beside me, his long legs crossed, one arm resting comfortably over the back of my chair, his presence projecting an aura of total, crushing authority. Every time Michael tried to recite his vows, his voice cracked, his hands trembling violently.
"You may kiss the bride," the minister finally announced, sounding visibly relieved.
Michael gave Chloe a quick, awkward peck on the cheek, his mind clearly a thousand miles away.
As the guests moved toward the outdoor ballroom for the reception, Michael broke away from the wedding party, rushing across the lawn toward us. Chloe followed close behind, her heavy lace train dragging across the grass, her face contorted in a mix of rage and confusion.
"Valerie!" Michael gasped, stopping three feet away, his eyes scanning my black dress, my diamonds, and finally landing on Gabriel’s dark, unblinking glare. "What... what are you doing here?!"
"I received your invitation, Michael," I said smoothly, taking a slow sip of my sparkling water. "I came to celebrate your big day."
"Who is this?!" Chloe demanded, grabbing Michael’s arm, glaring at me with spite. "Valerie, you brought a random date to my wedding just to steal my spotlight! You are so pathetic!"
Gabriel stood up slowly.
He didn't raise his voice. He didn't make a scene. But as his six-foot-four frame towered over both of them, the temperature around us seemed to plummet twenty degrees.
"I am Gabriel Sterling," he said softly, his voice echoing with absolute menace. "And if you speak to my partner in that tone again, Mrs. Reed, I will personally ensure your husband’s firm goes into involuntary bankruptcy before the sun sets."
Chloe’s breath hitched in her throat. She stumbled backward, her face turning pale gray. "Gabriel... Sterling?"
Michael looked like he was about to vomit. "Mr. Sterling... please! My wife didn't mean anything by it! We are honored by your presence! I’ve been trying to secure a meeting with your board for six months!"
"You had a meeting scheduled for Monday, Mr. Reed," Gabriel replied, adjusting his cuff links with cold indifference. "It has just been canceled."
Michael’s eyes filled with sheer panic. "No! Mr. Sterling, please! That partnership is funding this entire estate! My investors promised—"
"Your investors promised based on a lie," I interjected, stepping up beside Gabriel, looking down at my ex-fiancé with cold pity. "You told them you had access to the Sullivan Architectural Trust. You forgot that I am the sole trustee."
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Michael stared at me, his world crumbling in real-time. "Valerie... please... we can talk about this..."
"There's nothing to talk about, Michael," I whispered. "Enjoy your wedding."
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