Victoria’s eyes filled with frustration.
“You’re choosing her over me?”
“I’m asking you to take responsibility for what you did.”
She looked away.
The Bill Comes Due
The wedding planner approached them with a folder.
“The venue can keep the ceremony arrangements that have already been paid for, subject to the contract. However, the reception package and several additional services require the outstanding balances to be settled. We need confirmation of who will be paying.”
Victoria turned to Daniel.
“Well? Pay it!”
Daniel stared at her.
“With what money?”
“Your savings. A credit card. Something!”
“We agreed that we couldn’t afford this wedding without your mother.”
Victoria lowered her voice.
“Then tell her to pay. She can’t leave us looking like fools.”
Daniel’s face hardened.
“She’s not your personal bank account.”
The words echoed through the room.
For the first time, Victoria seemed to understand that the situation was not going to be fixed by shouting.
The Mother Returns to the Ballroom
Eleanor eventually returned to the main ballroom, accompanied by the venue manager.
Eleanor had not returned to gloat. Her priority was to understand which services could continue and which had to be canceled under the contracts. She also wanted staff to be paid for work already completed, in accordance with the agreements.
The ceremony space remained available, but the lavish reception Victoria had planned was now uncertain.
Guests began noticing that the catering staff had stopped preparing certain stations. The wedding planner was making calls. The orchestra had been asked to wait for confirmation.
Whispers spread across the room.
“What’s happening?”
“Did something happen between the families?”
“Is the reception canceled?”
A Public Confrontation
Victoria appeared at the top of the ballroom stairs, her white gown trailing behind her.
She saw Eleanor speaking with the venue manager and marched toward her.
