Chapter 5
The reception became a courtroom with centerpieces.
Logan’s father, Edward Hayes, asked to speak privately.
He owned dealerships, restaurants, and half the political patience in San Diego.
He did not look pleased.
“Mr. Mercer,” he said, “is this a family dispute or a criminal matter?”
Lydia answered.
“Both.”
Victoria tried to interrupt.
Edward raised one hand.
She stopped.
Interesting.
Money had a language she respected when it was not mine.
Lydia played the hallway audio.
Victoria’s laughter filled the office.
Monday, I’ll make him mortgage the house and workshop.
Sabrina’s voice followed.
I’m tired of my car smelling like machine oil.
I watched Logan hear the woman he had married less than an hour ago.
His face changed slowly.
Not anger first.
Hurt.
Then disgust.
Sabrina cried.
“I was joking.”
Logan looked at her.
“About stealing from the man who raised you?”
Raymond said, “This is being twisted.”
Alicia entered quietly and handed me a tablet.
“Mr. Mercer, the ballroom staff is asking whether to continue service.”
I looked at Lydia.
She nodded once.
I turned to everyone.
“The reception continues for the guests who came in good faith. But the bar tab and all extras charged by Victoria, Raymond, or Sabrina end now.”
Victoria snapped, “You can’t humiliate my daughter at her own wedding.”
I stared at her.
“You cut my suit and told me to hide from your rich guests.”
Her mouth shut.
Then Alicia said, “There is another issue.”
“What?”
“The bridal suite safe was opened.”
Sabrina looked up sharply.
Raymond’s hand moved toward his pocket.
Security blocked the door.
Inside the bridal suite safe, we found envelopes of cash from wedding gifts, checks made out to Sabrina and Logan, and my missing trust seal.
Raymond had it.
Logan’s father turned to Sabrina.
“Did you know?”
May you like
She cried harder.
But did not answer.
