Chapter 5 - The Gathering of Storms
The morning of the wedding arrived with a deceptive, brilliant sunshine that lit up the spires of St. James Chapel. The courtyard was a sea of high society—politicians, judges, real estate moguls, and journalists from Atlanta’s luxury lifestyle magazines.
Inside the bride’s dressing room, Camille looked breathtaking in a custom-made French lace gown that cost more than a family sedan. Her mother, Victoria, was busy fastening a vintage diamond tiara onto her hair.
"You look like a true Bennett, darling," Victoria beamed. "Harrison just spoke with the bank. The moment the registry is signed, the temporary injection of funds from Okafor Freight will hit our accounts. We are saved."
"I told you I had it under control, Mother," Camille smiled, checking her lipstick in the mirror. "Adrian is completely pliable. He spent the morning at his office finalizing the account transfers. He’s so predictable."
A sudden, heavy knock rattled the dressing room door.
Harrison Bennett walked in, his face pale, sweat breaking out along his hairline. "Victoria, Camille... something strange is happening outside."
"What is it, Harrison? Don't ruin her makeup," Victoria scolded.
"There are four black utility vans parked across the street," Harrison whispered, his hands shaking as he adjusted his lapel. "Men in dark suits are standing at every exit of the chapel. And... there's a woman who just arrived in an armored motorcade. The bishop himself went out to greet her at the curb. He looked like he was meeting the Pope."
Camille frowned, her heart stuttering with a sudden, unexplainable dread. "Who is she?"
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"I don't know," Harrison said. "But she’s heading straight into the sanctuary. And Adrian... Adrian isn't in his dressing room. He’s already standing at the altar, waiting."
Camille grabbed her silk train, her jaw tightening. "Let's go. Whatever this is, no one is stealing my spotlight today."
