“Good,” my father replied. “Straight to the bridal suite.”
The vehicle stopped. Marcus stepped out, walked around the back as if checking something, and opened my door just slightly.
“Now,” he whispered.
I sat up abruptly, blanket falling from my shoulders. My hands trembled but my voice came out clear.
“Good morning,” I said.
My father’s face drained of color. Daniel turned sharply, shock written across his features.
“What are you doing?” Thomas snapped.
“I heard everything,” I replied.
Daniel swallowed. “Naomi, listen—”
“No,” I cut in. “You listen. There will be no signature. No transfer. No notary. And if anyone tries to present documents in my name today, I will involve my attorney before the ceremony starts.”
“You’re overreacting,” my father said, switching to cold authority.
I lifted my phone. “I recorded you.”
Silence.
Karen, my mother, appeared from the entrance in heels and silk, smile already fixed. “Naomi! We’re late—”
“What was I supposed to sign, Mom?” I asked evenly.
Her smile froze.
Daniel’s confidence wavered for the first time. “This wasn’t supposed to—”
“Be exposed?” I asked.
We walked inside together, tension trailing behind us like smoke.
The bridal suite, meant for champagne and laughter, fell silent when we entered. My sister, Emily, sat in a white robe while stylists hovered nervously.
“What is happening?” she demanded.
“Nothing,” Karen began quickly. “Naomi is just stressed—”
“Stop,” Daniel said sharply, surprising everyone.
I placed my phone on the vanity. “They were going to have me sign over my voting shares this morning. As a ‘wedding gift.’”
Emily stared. “What?”
“It’s just restructuring,” Thomas insisted.
“It’s a takeover,” I said. “You used that word.”
Emily looked at our mother. “Did you know?”
Karen hesitated too long.
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