Chapter 6
Scottsdale looked nothing like the gas station.
That was the point.
The wedding estate rose from manicured desert hills with white flowers, glassware, champagne towers, and terraces built to make Arizona look gentle.
Guests arrived in black cars.
Women in silk moved through golden light.
Men in tuxedos discussed development deals near floral arches.
Jenna walked in alone.
Not late.
Not early.
Exactly on time.
Her navy gown moved softly around her as she crossed the ballroom. Her hair was longer now, elegantly styled, but her green eyes were the same ones Victor had last seen in a desert mirror.
Several older guests recognized her face without placing it.
That pleased her.
Recognition without certainty creates tension.
At the head table, Daniel noticed her first.
His expression tightened immediately.
He stood before she reached Celeste.
“You were told not to come.”
Jenna looked at him.
“You were told a lot of things.”
His jaw flexed.
“Leave before Dad sees you.”
“Where is Victor?”
Daniel’s eyes flicked toward the side of the room.
Not a full glance.
Enough.
Victor was there.
Older.
Heavier.
Smiling beside Richard Marrow like a man standing next to the life he bought.
Jenna did not look at him yet.
She looked at Celeste.
The bride was beautiful, polished, confident. Diamond earrings. Jeweled gown. Tiara catching chandelier light.
A woman raised inside certainty.
Celeste’s smile held as long as she thought Jenna was only an estranged sister.
Then Jenna opened the velvet pouch.
The silver dollar slid into her palm.
Celeste’s smile faltered before the coin touched the table.
Jenna saw it.
The bride knew something.
Maybe not everything.
May you like
But something.
Read the full story 👉 Jenna did not need to confront Victor first; Celeste’s face changed before the coin even clicked beside her glass.
