Chapter 4 - THE OBJECTIONThe ceremony proceeded with theatrical opulence. A corrupt municipal judge—one of the very names listed in my encrypted files—smiled benevolently as he asked the traditional question.
"If anyone here knows any reason why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace."
The silence in the opera house was absolute. You could hear the hum of the crystal chandeliers.
Adrian looked back toward the front row where I sat, his eyes narrowing. He was daring me to make a fool of myself. He wanted me to scream out of jealousy so his security could drag me into the basement and silence me for good.
I stood up.
A collective gasp echoed through the pews. Valentina froze mid-smile, her white veil trembling. Adrian’s face drained of color as he stepped forward from the altar, his hand dropping toward his hidden holster.
"Mia," Adrian warned, his voice a low, lethal growl. "Sit down. Right now."
"I have a valid objection, Your Honor," I said clearly, my voice ringing off the marble pillars.
Judge Miller blinked behind his gold-rimmed glasses, looking utterly panicked. "Miss Vance, this is a private ceremony. You have no legal standing—"
"Oh, I think I do," I interrupted, stepping out into the central aisle. I reached into my coat pocket and pulled out a heavy, cream-colored manila envelope. "You see, bigamy is a federal offense in this country. And financial fraud on a multi-million-dollar scale tends to complicate marital asset laws."
Adrian lunged down the altar steps, his face contorted in rage. "Seize her! Throw her out of here right now!"
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Two massive bodyguards rushed toward me from the side aisles, their heavy hands reaching for my shoulders.
I didn't flinch. I didn't run. I simply clicked a small silver remote control I had concealed in my palm.
