There it was again—her belief that wealth only counted if it was displayed. It had shaped her for years. She chased image like oxygen, leased luxury she couldn’t afford, dated names with promise, and treated taste like character.
I stepped closer, lowering my voice. “I didn’t stay quiet out of shame. I stayed quiet because people who actually build things don’t have time to explain themselves to people who aren’t listening.”
My mother closed her eyes. Trevor looked at Vanessa like he was reassessing a risky investment.
Then Vanessa made the mistake that changed everything.
She lifted her chin. “Fine. Then prove you’re not petty. Because if you cancel this wedding out of spite, you’ll humiliate the whole family.”
I held her gaze.
“Interesting,” I said. “You only care about family when you need something from it.”
Marcus shifted slightly. He knew I was deciding.
And yes—for a moment, I considered canceling. The contract allowed it. Legally, I could justify it. But ownership isn’t about what you can do in anger. It’s about what serves you when the anger fades.
So I looked at Marcus. “Give us ten minutes.”
Vanessa exhaled.
Too soon.
Because ten minutes wasn’t mercy.
It was time for me to decide what her lesson would cost.
