Chapter 4 - THE REHEARSAL DINNER SPECTACLETwo nights before the wedding, the grand ballroom of the Vale estate was transformed into a glittering wonderland of white roses, crystal chandeliers, and hundred-year-old champagne.
Over two hundred elite guests—politicians, CEOs, and socialites—mingled under the sparkling lights, toasting the upcoming union of Ethan Vale and Serena Cross.
I stood near the service doors in my cheap black-and-white uniform, holding a silver tray filled with champagne flutes, watching the spectacle unfold.
Serena stood at the center of the room in a stunning white designer gown, laughing brightly as her brother Lucas clinked his glass with a silver spoon.
"To my sister Serena," Lucas announced loudly, his voice echoing through the microphone. "Soon to be the undisputed queen of Vale Meridian! To family, and to the power that comes with it!"
Applause rippled through the room.
Ethan smiled, though it looked strained. He raised his glass, looking deeply into Serena’s eyes. "To Serena. My life, my future."
Serena beamed, soaking in the adulation. She looked over Ethan’s shoulder and caught my eye standing by the service door. Her smile twisted into a cruel, mocking smirk. She raised her glass directly toward me, as if mocking the lowly servant forced to watch her triumph.
Then, the heavy oak doors at the grand entrance swung open with a loud, echoing bang.
The music cut off instantly.
Every head in the ballroom turned toward the entrance.
Standing in the doorway was Marcus Vance, my chief legal counsel, flanked by four federal marshals in dark tactical suits and two corporate auditors carrying heavy aluminum briefcases.
A collective gasp swept through the room.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Serena shrieked, marching forward in her bridal gown, her face flushed with righteous fury. "This is a private wedding rehearsal! Security! Throw these intruders out!"
None of the security guards moved. They couldn't. They recognized federal badges when they saw them.
Marcus Vance ignored Serena entirely. He walked past her, his hard, unblinking gaze locked onto Ethan standing frozen near the stage.
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Then Marcus stopped, turned toward the service doors, and bowed deeply in my direction.
"Good evening, Mr. Vale," Marcus said, his voice carrying clearly across the silent, stunned ballroom.
