Then every screen inside the cathedral flickered.

Victor’s messages appeared first.

Cover the marks.

Your brother’s arraignment is Monday.

Then came a photograph: Elena’s bruised back, documented by a licensed physician, time-stamped and sealed.

The laughter died instantly.

Conrad shouted for security to cut the power.

The screens changed again.

His private ledger opened.

And outside, sirens began to scream.

PART 3

The cathedral doors did not open.

They exploded inward under a federal ram as SWAT officers poured into the sanctuary.

“Federal agents! Hands where we can see them!”

Guests dropped behind pews. Victor froze as laser sights crossed his tuxedo. Conrad moved toward a side corridor, but Naomi Price entered with the warrants in hand.

“Conrad Vale,” she called, “you are under arrest for racketeering, conspiracy, witness tampering, money laundering, bribery, obstruction, and solicitation of murder.”

“This is insanity!” Conrad roared. “Do you know who I am?”

“Yes,” Naomi said. “That is why we brought everyone.”

Agents took his phone and arrested his security chief. Victor backed away.

“I didn’t do anything.”

The screens replayed his threats. Then audio filled the cathedral.

Victor’s voice: Hit her where the dress covers it.

Elena’s sob.

Victor again: Tomorrow you smile, or Daniel dies in prison.

Five hundred elite guests heard every word.

Victor bolted toward the vestry. An officer drove him to the floor and cuffed him beneath the crucifix.

I walked in alone through the broken doors.

Conrad stared at me as if a ghost had risen from his own grave.