Security at the Door
Chapter 05 - Security at the Door
Victor’s security vehicles surrounded the service courtyard.
Six men in dark uniforms entered under the command of Roland Pike, the company’s head of corporate protection. Roland had once served in the military, but years of private work had taught him that wealthy men preferred obedience to courage.
“Mr. Cross has reported stolen documents,” Roland announced.
Dominic pointed at the metal case. “Take it.”
Sofia held it against her dress.
“This belongs to my family trust.”
“Ms. Bennett, please do not make this difficult.”
Elias stepped forward despite the pain in his ribs. “It became difficult when your employer ordered you to seize evidence.”
Roland’s eyes narrowed. “You are trespassing on private property.”
“I worked here before Victor owned his first suit.”
Dominic ordered the employees back to work. None moved.
The mechanic holding the phone, Luis Ortega, raised it higher.
“We are live,” he said.
More than twenty thousand people were already watching. The clip of Dominic shoving Elias had spread from the wedding guests to local news pages. Comments poured across the screen faster than Luis could read them.
Roland understood the danger immediately. He could not drag a bride and an injured elderly man away in front of a live audience.
He changed tactics.
“Then we wait for the police.”
Dominic smiled.
Cross Automotive had donated cars to the city, funded political campaigns, and sponsored the police foundation’s annual dinner. He believed official arrival would settle the matter.
But Sofia had already called someone else.
Maya Chen, a trust attorney who had represented Daniel Bennett before his death, arrived before the police. She walked into the service bay carrying a court-stamped folder and wearing the calm expression of a woman who charged by the hour for other people’s panic.
She examined the patent certificate, the photograph, and the title documents from the case.
Then she looked at Dominic.
“The limousine is registered to the Bennett Heritage Trust. The trust was never lawfully dissolved.”
“That is ridiculous,” Dominic said.
Maya handed Roland a copy of the registry.
“If your team removes the car or the documents, every person involved may face charges for theft, obstruction, and interference with trust property.”
Roland lowered his hand.
Dominic turned toward Sofia.
“You planned this.”
She looked at the ring still resting on the hood.
May you like
“No. I planned to marry you.”
The difference destroyed what remained of his smile.
