Chapter 3

Three pairs of eyes locked onto me in the chilly evening air.

Grant cleared his throat, his face flushing dark red as he tried to regain control. "Claire... turn off the speakerphone. What is the meaning of this? You promised you were handling the venue booking!"

"I did handle it," I said calmly into the phone. "Daniel, please hold for one moment."

Ivy took a frantic step forward, her previous hostility instantly melting into panicked urgency. "Mom! What is he talking about? I thought the venue was already fully settled months ago!"

"The deposit was settled," I answered, my eyes resting on my daughter's distressed face with cold detachment. "The remaining balance for the ballroom, lighting, security, and garden terrace was scheduled for final authorization tonight under my personal account."

"Then pay it!" Grant snapped, stepping in front of Ivy. "You have the funds! Why are you pulling a stunt like this right now? Are you trying to blackmail us into giving you the front-row seat?"

Sloane finally walked down the steps, her designer heels clicking softly.

She placed a comforting hand on Grant's arm, looking at me with a soft, pitying sigh. "Claire, please... if you wanted recognition as the Mother of the Bride, you could have just asked. You don't have to use money to threaten your own daughter before her wedding."

I brought the phone back to my ear, unmuting the line. My voice remained completely level, precise, and professional.

"Daniel," I said clearly, ensuring every word resonated through the quiet air. "Please remove my name and my primary credit card as the guarantor for tomorrow's reservation at the Grand Luxe Estate."

Ivy gasped loudly. "Mom! No!"

"I am not canceling the event," I continued smoothly, looking directly into Grant's shocked eyes. "I am simply ceasing financial responsibility for this booking. I am withdrawing as the financial guarantor for this reservation."

On the phone, Daniel paused for a brief second before typing could be heard. "Understood, Mrs. West. Your card authorization has been removed, and the primary account status for this event is now unpaid. The reservation remains open until 8:00 PM. A new primary guarantor may step in and submit payment before the deadline."

"Thank you, Daniel. Have a good evening."

I ended the call and slipped the phone back into my purse.

Grant looked like he had been slapped. "Are you insane, Claire?! It's 7:25 PM! Where are we supposed to get final payment in thirty-five minutes?!"

"Ask the Mother of the Bride," I said softly, glancing at Sloane, whose face had turned completely pale. "Sloane organized the stage design, didn't she? She bought the designer dresses and brought the high-society connections. Surely a woman occupying the front row as the mother of the bride can handle the bill for the venue."

Ivy grabbed my coat sleeve, tears finally welling in her eyes, but not out of remorse -- out of panic. "Mom, you can't do this to me! You're ruining my wedding!"

"No, Ivy," I pulled my sleeve gently but firmly out of her grasp, stepping into the driver's seat of my car. "I'm not ruining your wedding. I'm just letting the mother of your choice pay for it."