Chapter 8 - The Groom's ConfessionGreg asked to speak with me in the presence of his attorney. I agreed to a recorded call with Naomi present.

He looked like a man who hadn't slept. The smooth charm that had impressed my parents was gone.

"I didn't start the fire," he said immediately. "My access pass disappeared at the rehearsal dinner."

"Then report it to the police."

"I have. Elena, I need to tell you something about Sarah."

Naomi folded her hands. "Go on."

"She told me your father was about to close a land deal. She said the money would cover the entire wedding. But every time I asked to see a statement, she changed the subject."

"What land?"

Greg swallowed. "A resort expansion. A buyer called Baystar Capital. They planned to purchase a parcel from your father's company."

Naomi's pen stopped moving. "When?"

"Monday. Three days from now."

Ruth was right about the northern land. My father wasn't simply hiding an old family secret. He was preparing to cash it in.

"Greg, why did you believe Sarah's family was paying for this wedding?"

"She showed me a receipt with your father's name. Two million dollars, paid in full."

"That's a forged receipt. Meridian covered it."

He stared down. "I thought I was marrying someone honest."

"So did I," I said. "I thought my sister loved my daughter."

Greg covered his face with one hand. After a long moment, he said, "On the night before the ceremony, I overheard Sarah fighting with your father. He said the child had found something she shouldn't."

I looked at Naomi.

"What did Sarah say?" I asked.

Greg's voice dropped. "She said, 'If Mia talks, there won't be a wedding.'"

My hands went cold.

He continued, "Your father said he'd handle it. I told myself they were discussing some family embarrassment. I should've asked."

"Yes," I said. "You should have."

When the call ended, Naomi pulled up the Baystar paperwork she'd just received from a contact. The sale price was fourteen million dollars.

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But the signature authorizing it wasn't my father's.

It was mine.