“This is an absurdity,” Vivian said, her voice dropping an octave.

“On what possible grounds?” she asked, her eyes darting toward the exits.

“Conspiracy, wire fraud, and international corporate espionage,” the agent replied.

The crowd of wedding guests collectively inhaled, a sharp, cold sound.

I felt Leo tighten his grip on my left hand, while Owen hid behind my skirt.

Wyatt stood perfectly still, his eyes wide as he watched the agents.

“You are accused of illegally transferring proprietary clean-energy patents owned by Bradford Holdings to foreign competitors,” the agent continued.

“The transaction took place through shell companies registered in the Cayman Islands.”

Vivian’s face lost its remaining color, turning the shade of dry chalk under her heavy makeup.

“That is a lie,” she whispered, though her voice lacked its usual venom.

“We have the digital signatures and the transfer logs,” the agent said.

“Furthermore, we are executing a freeze on all accounts associated with those shell companies.”

Grandfather Bradford took a heavy step forward, his cane clicking against the stone floor.

His face was set in hard, deep lines.