Chapter 6 - THE WEDDING THAT WOULD SAVE MONROE HOLDINGS
The engagement was not merely social.
For Monroe Holdings, it was financial survival.
Banks believed marriage would unite the Monroe properties with Adrian’s liquidity.
Investors assumed Ruiz Global would stand behind future developments.
Charles never stated this directly.
He allowed photographs, press releases, and family appearances to create the impression.
Celeste became the bridge.
After the wedding, she expected Adrian to merge several charitable and real-estate interests.
The engagement trust was only the beginning.
A confidential agreement prepared by Charles would ask Adrian to place two hundred million dollars into a joint family investment platform.
Celeste had not shown Adrian the full document.
She planned to introduce it during their honeymoon, after the wedding publicity strengthened the Monroe stock valuation.
Then Elena began asking questions.
She had received a tax notice addressed to Elena Ruiz Community Housing LLC.
At first, she assumed it was a mistake.
The notice listed her Social Security number.
Elena called Adrian’s office.
His assistant forwarded the document to Celeste.
Celeste called back.
“It is a clerical error connected to the charity partnership.”
“I never joined the partnership.”
“Your name was included because you inspired the initiative.”
“Remove it.”
“We will.”
Elena contacted a neighborhood legal clinic instead.
The attorney found the LLC registration and loan filings.
Elena’s forged signature appeared repeatedly.
She called Adrian directly.
He was flying to London.
“Mom, send everything to Marcus.”
“I sent it to your office.”
“I’ll handle it when I land.”
Celeste was sitting beside him on the aircraft.
She heard the entire conversation.
After Adrian fell asleep, she opened his phone and deleted Elena’s documents from the shared folder.
She then messaged Charles.
SHE FOUND THE LLC.
Charles replied:
KEEP HER QUIET UNTIL AFTER THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY. THE CREDIT RENEWAL CLOSES MONDAY.
Celeste asked:
WHAT IF SHE TELLS ADRIAN?
Charles answered:
MAKE HIM THINK THIS IS ABOUT HER FEELINGS TOWARD YOU.
That evening, Celeste told Adrian his mother had accused her of fraud without evidence.
“She never wanted this wedding.”
“My mother doesn’t make accusations casually.”
“She’s afraid you won’t need her anymore.”
Adrian promised to speak with Elena in person after the party.
Celeste could not allow that conversation to happen privately.
May you like
She needed Elena humiliated, dismissed, and removed before she could show Adrian the documents.
👉 The engagement party became Celeste’s final chance to turn Elena’s evidence into the jealous behavior of a poor mother who did not belong.
