Stephanie gave a sharp laugh, brittle as glass. “And you call me manipulative? Look at him, Clara. He’s admitting it—he made his choice. He stood with me.” Clara’s voice rose, fierce with fury and hurt. “No. He didn’t choose you. You trapped him. You tricked him, and you think that makes you the bride? You’ve built your whole life out of stealing from me, Stephanie. “
“And this time, I swear—you won’t win.” The shouting in the hallway drew more staff, then guests, and within minutes hotel security appeared, followed by police officers called to calm the disturbance. At once, Stephanie launched into her version of events: a jealous sister barging in, desperate to ruin her happiness.