Chapter 3 - Cutting the Cord
Down in the Grand Ballroom, the atmosphere had reached a fever pitch of self-indulgence. The Sterling family was operating under the illusion that they were untouchable.
"Did you see the look on her face?" Vanessa laughed into the ear of her new sister-in-law, Chloe Mitchell. "She looked like a drowned rat! She honestly thought she could show up in a off-the-rack dress and ruin my wedding."
Chloe smiled politely, though her eyes were darting around the lavish estate. "It was quite a scene, Vanessa. But my father said this venue has a zero-tolerance policy for disturbances. He knows the board of Carter Holdings personally. If they get wind of a brawl—"
"Oh, please!" Vanessa dismissed her with a flick of her diamond-encrusted wrist. "It wasn't a brawl. It was pest control. Besides, Brandon's father paid half a million dollars to rent this place. They answer to us today."
Just then, the lively jazz quartet on the bandstand abruptly went silent. The exterior chandeliers flickering above the terrace cut out, plunging the garden dining area into the dim gray of the late afternoon.
The background music died completely, replaced only by the rustle of wind through the century-old oak trees.
A murmur swept through the three hundred guests.
Richard Sterling frowned, setting his glass down on a linen-draped cocktail table. "What the hell is going on with the lights? Where are the waiters?"
He marched over to the outdoor bar, where a line of wealthy guests was waiting for their drinks. The senior bartender was systematically putting away the crystal decanters of Louis XIII cognac and vintage Dom Pérignon, replacing them with generic house labels.
"Excuse me!" Richard barked, slamming his palm on the polished oak bar. "I ordered a refill on the Macallan thirty-year! What are you doing putting it away?"
The bartender didn't even flinch. He maintained a calm, professional expression. "Estate management has placed an immediate hold on all tier-one alcohol services for this event, sir."
"Hold? What do you mean, a hold?" Richard sputtered, his face turning an angry shade of crimson. "Do you have any idea who I am? I am the father of the bride! My son-in-law's family rented this entire property!"
"I am aware of who you are, Mr. Sterling," Daniel Brooks's calm, measured voice came from behind him.
Richard spun around, pointing a thick finger at Daniel’s chest. "You! Brooks, right? What is the meaning of this? The lights are off, the music stopped, and your staff is hiding the top-shelf liquor! We are paying top dollar for this reception!"
Daniel smiled thinly, pulling a crisp, white tablet from under his arm. "Correction, Mr. Sterling. You haven't paid."
Eleanor Sterling, draped in an oversized faux-fur shawl despite the summer breeze, hurried over, clutching her daughter’s arm. Vanessa followed, her bridal train trailing behind her, her lips curled in disgust.
"What is the problem here?" Eleanor demanded shrilly. "Daniel, my daughter's wedding is being ruined! Get the lights back on this instant, or Brandon's father will have your job by morning!"
"Mrs. Sterling," Daniel said smoothly, "as of seventeen minutes ago, the final payment of three hundred thousand dollars was rejected by your daughter's bank. As per our signed contract, failure to settle the account before 5:00 PM results in the immediate suspension of luxury amenities."
Vanessa let out a sharp, mocking gasp. "That’s impossible! My card has a limitless line of credit through Brandon's joint account!"
May you like
"Actually, Mrs. Mitchell," Daniel replied, looking squarely at Vanessa, "the card provided was your personal Platinum card, which was declined for insufficient funds. And because the account is delinquent, all complimentary services have ceased."
"This is outrageous!" Vanessa shrieked, stamping her designer heel. "We will pay it tomorrow! Brandon! Brandon, get over here!"
