Down in the audience, Mrs. Hayes was still shouting. "Clara Quinn. You dare—"
Ethan looked up and gave his assistant a look.
The assistant stepped forward at once.
"Mrs. Hayes, regarding today's wedding, Mr. Sterling has said only invited guests are welcome."
He turned to the room. His tone was polite but left no room for argument.
"Thank you all for coming. The ceremony has ended. Please move to the banquet hall for dinner. Mr. Sterling has prepared refreshments. We apologize for any shortcomings."
It was a dismissal.
Mrs. Hayes refused to move. "I'm not leaving. I want to see—"
Mr. Hayes called again. She answered. Her face shifted between pale and red.
In the end, the Hayes relatives half-dragged her out.
My mother stood by the stage, her eyes red. She couldn't get a word out.
