Arthur continued.

“Everyone here knows you chose love over money.”

I wanted to ask what would have happened if I’d failed.

Would he have canceled the wedding?

Publicly accused me of greed?

Sent me away?

He hadn’t given me a chance to discuss his supposed decision in private.

He’d arranged the announcement at the moment it would be hardest for me to respond honestly.

I said nothing.

Outside the venue, I searched for the Bentley.