Julian: What wire transfers, Helena? What are you talking about?
Helena didn't answer Julian directly. She looked over at the front row where Julian's personal divorce lawyer and family attorney, Arthur Pendelton, was sitting in utter silence.
Helena: Arthur. It's nice to see you looking so well. Is that a new Rolex?
Arthur Pendelton adjusted his silk tie nervously, shifting in his seat without meeting her eyes.
Arthur: Helena... this isn't the venue for legal proceedings. If there are unresolved estate matters, my office is open on Monday.
Helena: Your office won't be open on Monday, Arthur. Because the federal marshals are currently reviewing your offshore accounts in Grand Cayman.
Julian grabbed Arthur by the shoulder, his voice rising in sudden panic.
Julian: Arthur! What is she talking about? What offshore accounts?
Arthur: Julian, calm down. Let's step into the vestry and discuss this privately—
Victoria: No! We are finishing this ceremony right now! Father, read the vows! Proceed with the wedding!
The elderly priest stood frozen at the altar, clutching his leather-bound bible to his chest, shaking his head slowly.
Priest: My child, I cannot administer holy matrimony while a man's lawful wife is standing in this very room.
Victoria: She was declared legally dead! The marriage was dissolved by law!
Helena: A death certificate signed under false identity fraud is null and void from the moment of signature, Victoria. Ask Arthur. He knows all about fraudulent certifications.
Julian turned slowly toward Victoria, a sickening wave of realization finally crashing over him.
Julian: Victoria... did you know she was alive?
Victoria: Julian, don't listen to this garbage! She's playing you! She wants revenge because you moved on!
Julian: Answer the question! Did you know about the clinic in Canada?
Victoria's lips pressed into a thin, vicious line.
Victoria: What if I did? You were drowning in debt! Your father's empire was about to crumble because he left every voting share to a girl from a working-class family who didn't know the first thing about corporate management!
A loud collective gasp rose from the guests in the cathedral pews.
Victoria: I saved you, Julian! My family's capital kept Vance Enterprises afloat! We built this life together!
Helena: You didn't build anything. You stole my life, you stole my ring, and you tried to ship my six-year-old child to a Swiss boarding school so you wouldn't have to look at my face in his eyes.
Leo clutched Helena's hand, his small voice cutting through the heavy tension.
Leo: She told me you didn't love me anymore, Mommy. She said you ran away because I was bad.
Helena dropped down to one knee, wrapping both arms around Leo, her voice breaking with raw, maternal grief.
Helena: Oh, baby... no. You were the only reason I kept breathing through every single skin graft. You were the only reason I fought to walk again.
Julian looked down at his own trembling hands, horrified by the reality unraveling before him.
Julian: My God... what have I done?
Helena: You traded your family for a bailout, Julian. And today, the bill has come due.
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