PART 3 — THE WEDDING THAT NEVER BEGAN

The ballroom at the Savannah Riverfront Resort was covered in white flowers, silk curtains, and gold decorations.

Arthur stood near the altar in an ivory tuxedo, laughing with his new business partners.

Brooke waited nearby in an elaborate wedding gown, surrounded by guests who believed they were witnessing the beginning of a glamorous new life.

Then the ballroom doors opened.

I entered wearing the same dark suit I had worn to Rose’s funeral.

Two senior investigators walked beside me.

A forensic accountant followed them.

Behind us came Lucy, Rachel, and April.

Lucy carried the leather folder against her chest.

The music stopped.

The whispers faded.

More than two hundred guests turned toward us.

Arthur’s smile disappeared.

He stepped away from the altar.

“What are you doing here?” he demanded. “You and the girls were not invited. Security!”

“Security will not remove us,” I said. “We are not here as guests. We are here to carry out Rose’s final instructions.”

Brooke stepped forward.

“This is our wedding. You have no right to interrupt it.”

One of the investigators showed his identification.

“Mr. Arthur Vance, we are here regarding allegations of corporate fraud, misuse of medical records, and financial exploitation of a dependent spouse.”

Arthur stepped back.

“This is ridiculous. Rose was ill. Her medical records are private.”

“They were,” Lucy said.

Her small voice carried through the silent room.

“Until Grandpa gave investigators the notebook you tried to destroy.”

She opened the leather folder.

Inside were copies of Rose’s records, messages, and financial reports.

The large screens beside the altar suddenly changed.

The wedding slideshow disappeared.

An audio recording began to play.

Arthur’s voice came through the ballroom speakers.

“Just take the new medication, Rose. The doctor said it will help.”

Then Rose answered weakly.

“It makes me feel confused. I can barely think.”

“You need to stop worrying,” Arthur replied. “Sign the trust papers, and then you can rest.”

A wave of shocked whispers swept through the room.

Several of Arthur’s investors stood from their seats.

I walked closer to the altar.

“Rose kept detailed notes,” I said. “The pharmacy records show unauthorized changes. The USB drive contains company files and accounts connected to money transferred without her approval.”

Arthur turned frantically toward his attorney.

“Do something!”

The attorney looked at the investigators and the documents.

Then he quietly sat down.