The moment I finished speaking, Hayden’s expression changed instantly.
“What’s that supposed to mean, Veronica?” he snapped. “You trying to get my father to disown me or something?“}
spread my hands and gave him a half–smile. “Weren’t you just begging me to spare your family a few minutes ago, Mr. Cobb? Well, I’m offering a solution now, and you don’t like it? Tough crowd. It’s hard trying to be the bigger person, huh?”
Then I raised my hand and pointed toward the trash can, where my wedding dress still lay.”
“Someone ruined my dress. Someone’s got to take responsibility. But your secretary isn’t important enough to take the fall. But you, you just about qualify.”
I said that last part loud and clear for Edric’s benefit. It was my way of making my stance known, while still throwing their family a lifeline.
After all, this whole mess was started by Hayden and his secretary. The rest of the family didn’t need to go down with them.§ Edric hesitated for a second, then gave me a firm nod. “Miss Riley, we’ll do as you say. Tomorrow, I’ll hold a press conference my family, I’ll publicly sever ties with Hayden.”
as head of
Hayden still tried to argue, one last desperate attempt to save himself. But no matter what he said now, it was too late. He started this mess, and he’d be the one to end it.
As for Gillian, the spark that lit the fire, she was quietly taken away that very night and sent straight to prison. Just her offense on the phone, insulting a Cabinet–level leader, was enough to ensure she’d be behind bars for a long, long time.
Once everything was settled, I dismissed all the guests, and the wedding was officially canceled.§
it took everything I had to finally explain the whole situation to my mom, who was, understandably, a little overwhelmed.
Before I left, she pulled me aside and asked me to pass on a message to my superior. “Next time you get married, can you please not keep your identity a secret?”
