I had heard that tone from her all my life.
It was the voice she used when reality failed to match what she believed she deserved.
“I own fifty-eight percent of the company that owns Belladonna,” I said.
“The other investors have already authorized me to suspend this reservation.”
“You can’t suspend my wedding.”
“I just did.”
The booking agent opened the red folder.
Inside were vendor contracts, room assignments, catering orders, and the payment authorization linked to my education trust.
She removed the access sheet first.
“The estate gate codes will be disabled today,” she said.
“All vendor instructions are frozen pending a financial review.”
Elise stepped toward her.
“We have guests flying in.
We announced the location.
My fiancé’s family has already paid for their tickets.”
The agent did not move.
“The reservation was funded through a transfer now flagged as unauthorized.”
Mom finally found her voice.
