Chapter 2 - The Fall of Caroline's Engagement
Julian Vance—Caroline's wealthy fiance and the son of a prominent senator—stepped out from the crowd of fleeing guests, his tailored tuxedo wrinkled with sweat.
He looked at Caroline, then at the rows of armed military officers stationed around the courtyard, and finally at me.
"Julian!" Caroline cried out, reaching for his arm. "Tell her! Tell your father to stop this! We're getting married here next month!"
Julian pulled his arm away from Caroline as if her touch burned him.
"Married?" Julian laughed bitterly, taking three steps back. "Caroline, your family lied to my father! You told us your family owned the Caldwell Defense Trust! You told us this forty-million-dollar estate belonged to your mother!"
"It... it does!" Caroline sobbed, mascara running down her face. "Harper just does paper work for the military! She's lying!"
General Vance stepped forward, opening his leather case and holding out a certified federal document bearing the seal of the Department of Defense.
"Caroline Caldwell," General Vance announced loudly so every remaining guest could hear. "Commander Harper Caldwell is the Chief Executive Officer of Caldwell Special Logistics and the sole trustee of the $150 Million Defense Asset Trust established by her late father, General Thomas Caldwell."
Julian turned to his father, Senator Vance, who was standing near his town car with a grim expression.
"Dad..." Julian whispered.
May you like
"The engagement is off," Senator Vance declared coldly, stepping into his car. "Julian, get in the car. We are not tying our family name to fraud and military impostors."
"Julian! No! Please!" Caroline shrieked, falling to her knees on the stone driveway as Julian turned his back on her, climbing into his father's car and speeding away through the heavy iron gates.
