The note was a stark wake-up call: "Run for your life. The cops know about Granny Anita."


    Julie felt her heart m against her chest as she leaned on the wall, trying to steady herself. This had to be a trap. No one had seen her; the case was supposed to be closed.


    Still, her instincts took over. She had to get out, had to avoid capture. The elevator was too risky, so she opted for the stairs. Her wedding dress was a nightmare to maneuver, and by the time she reached the ground floor from the eighth, she was gasping for air, clutching the railing for support.


    After catching her breath, she made her way to the exit, only to be blocked by a figure.


    "Ms. Brown, the wedding''s about to start. Where are you going?" It was her bridesmaid.


    Julie snapped, her voice edged with panic. "Out of my way. I need something from my car."


    The bridesmaid stepped closer. "What do you need, Ms. Brown? I can have someone fetch it for you. The ceremony''s about to begin; you should head back."


    "Who do you think you are? Move!" Julie tried to push past.


    But the bridesmaid grabbed her arm with surprising strength, her delicate look hiding a firm grip, her eyes suddenly serious.


    "Who are you, really?" Julie demanded, realizing this wasn''t her bridesmaid.


    "Ms. Brown, the show hasn''t even started. How can the star leave the stage?" the bridesmaid said. "If you leave, how will I exin it to Mr. Salstrom?"


    Julie''s face went pale. "Mr. Salstrom? Which one? Joseph? Herman?"


    The bridesmaid didn''t answer, just tightened her grip and started pulling Julie towards the elevator.


    "Let go of me I''m having contractions!" Julie faked a pained expression in ast-ditch effort to break free.


    The bridesmaid was unfazed; her orders were clear: Keep Julie on the premises at all costs.


    "You''ll just have to deal with it. The wedding is starting any minute now."


    Julie felt despair wash over her as she was dragged back to her room.


    Time ticked away. With only five minutes until the wedding, Julie was frantic. She tried calling Devin for help, but he was too busy to answer his phone amidst the chaos of the banquet hall.


    Devin was in a panic too. Feiman was forcing smiles and small talk with the guests, checking his watch repeatedly.


    The wedding nner came up to Feiman, asking if they should start.


    Not wanting to arouse suspicion, Feiman nodded. "Yes, start, but stretch the opening as much as you can. The groom hasn''t arrived yet."


    The nner took the hint and began a long-winded introduction.


    Devin shot a frustrated look at Feiman. "Feiman, if this wedding falls apart, my daughter will be humiliated. She''s six months pregnant, and the groom''s not here. It''s a p in the face for the Brown family."


    Feiman forced a smile. "You''re overreacting, Lin. Joseph will be here any minute. I''ll call him."


    Feiman dialed Joseph''s number again, but there was no answer.


    At that moment, a bodyguard came in, practically dragging a drunken Joseph.


    The groom was a mess, reeking of booze and still in his regr clothes.


    Feiman''s anger red. "Look at you. Change your clothes now; the ceremony''s about to start."


    "Wedding? Who''s getting married?" Joseph slurred, grinning foolishly. "I don''t see the bride."


    "You useless fool," Feiman scolded. "Today''s your wedding day to Julie. You''ve made a spectacle of yourself. Are you trying to embarrass me? If it weren''t for your grandmother''s dying wish, if it weren''t for yourte mother, do you think I''d be arranging this wedding? You''re just here to collect a debt..."


    Feiman''s words cut deep, like knives.


    Joseph let out a coldugh, shrugged off the bodyguard, and mockingly bowed to Feiman. "Thanks a lot, Mr. Feiman, for all your efforts on behalf of a bastard like me. And for remembering my dead mother-really, thanks."


    With that, Joseph staggered to the altar, snatched the microphone from the emcee, and with a twisted smile, announced, "Thanks foring, everyone. I''m Feiman''s bastard, Joseph. Enjoy the food and drinks, don''t be shy-Feiman''s covering it all."