Chapter 2 - The Bride's True Colors
Eli ripped her arm away from Vanessa's grip.
The bride's pristine white dress rustled in the wind, a stark contrast to the darkness in her expression.
"I don't know what you are talking about," Eli lied, shoving the envelope behind her back.
Vanessa took a step closer, dropping the sweet facade she always wore around Richard.
"Don't play dumb with me, Eli."
"I paid a lot of money to make sure that package never reached you."
Eli felt the blood drain from her face as the horrifying truth set in.
Vanessa knew about her mother.
"You knew she was alive this whole time?" Eli choked out, tears of rage pricking her eyes.
Vanessa laughed softly, adjusting her diamond necklace.
"Of course I did, sweetie."
"But your father is a very wealthy man, and I have expensive tastes."
"Laura was an obstacle, and now, so are you."
Vanessa signaled to two massive security guards standing near the garden entrance.
They immediately started walking toward Eli with menacing purpose.
Before Eli could run, the door to the suite opened.
Richard stepped out, fixing his bowtie.
"What's going on out here, ladies?" he asked, looking confused.
Eli opened her mouth to scream the truth, but she felt a sharp prick in her lower back.
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Vanessa had pressed a small, silver syringe against Eli’s spine.
"Say one word, and you won't live to see the cake cutting," Vanessa whispered in her ear.
