Not toward the bride.
Not toward the groom.
Toward me.
His expression softened.
"Vivienne."
I tried to smile.
"Dad."
The room erupted in whispers.
"Vivienne?"
"She's his daughter?"
"Richard Carter's daughter?"
Chloe stepped backward.
"No..."
Her voice trembled.
"That's impossible."
Richard gently placed his jacket around my shoulders, covering the torn fabric.
Then he turned toward the crowd.
His voice was calm.
But every word carried power.
"My daughter was publicly accused of theft tonight."
Nobody moved.
"My pregnant daughter was searched, humiliated, and physically assaulted."
His eyes shifted toward Eleanor.
The older woman suddenly looked much smaller.
"And everyone here watched."
The silence became unbearable.
Dominic finally stepped forward.
"Mr. Carter, there must be a misunderstanding."
Richard looked at him.
A long pause.
Then disappointment appeared in his eyes.
Not anger.
Something worse.
"You watched your wife being humiliated."