The venue manager asked for a few minutes to review the arrangements.
Eleanor then called the catering director, the florist, and the wedding planner.
Her message was the same each time.
She was the contracting party for the expenses in question. She was withdrawing any remaining payment authorization and wanted the vendors to follow the cancellation terms in their agreements.
Within minutes, the wedding planner hurried back to the bridal suite.
“Victoria, we have a serious problem.”
Victoria barely looked up.
“What now?”
“Mrs. Hayes has withdrawn her authorization for the remaining payments. The venue is reviewing the contract, and several vendors are waiting for instructions.”
Victoria stood up so quickly that one of the bridesmaids had to step aside.
“She can’t do that!”
The planner chose her words carefully.
“Some arrangements can still proceed because they’ve already been paid for. Others depend on outstanding balances. We need to know who will be responsible for those costs.”
Victoria stared at her.
“Call Daniel.”
The Groom Learns the Truth
A Call That Changed the Day
Daniel was waiting in a private room near the ceremony hall when Victoria called.
“Your mother is ruining everything!” she shouted.
Daniel frowned.
“What happened?”
“She just canceled the wedding!”
“What?”
“She went around telling the vendors she’s not paying anymore. The planner says there are problems with the ballroom and the reception!”
Daniel stood up.
“Why would she do that?”
“Because she’s angry that I told her to stop interfering.”
Daniel went silent.
“What exactly did you say to her?”
Victoria hesitated.
“Nothing serious. She was being dramatic, as usual.”
“Victoria.”
“She came into my bridal suite with some ugly old bracelet and started giving me a lecture. I told her to leave.”
Daniel stared at the phone.
“Did you insult her?”
“I told her not to embarrass me. That’s not an insult.”
