Chapter 219 Everything Is
Now Different
With all eyes on her, Renee could only shrug. “Sorry, everyone, I’m just here for the celebration–not to crash the wedding.”
“Security! Get her out of here!” Esme’s voice rang out, sharp and commanding.
Renee blinked. Seriously?
Of course, Esme could never stand her.
Renee let out a soft chuckle, laced with sarcasm.
“I’d love to see anyone try,” William said coolly from the stage.
“William!” Eric shot back, his frustration boiling over. “Are you really trying to make a scene today of all days?”
“This wedding is off. We’re leaving,” Austen announced, his voice firm. “You people should clean up your own mess.”
Without hesitation, he turned on his heel, and the Chadwick family followed, their departure stirring a wave of whispers and commotion.
William said nothing. His eyes remained locked on Renee.
Eric and Esme rushed to block Austen’s path.
“Austen, let’s not be hasty. We can talk this through!”
“What’s there to talk about?” Austen scoffed. “I see no reason for our families to stay connected.”
“Exactly! This is outrageous!” another Chadwick chimed in. “Did you really
think you could humiliate the Chadwicks like this? Laurie is the princess of this family, and no one gets to hurt her like this!”
“Humph! We’re leaving!” Let’s go!”
The Chadwick family stormed out, their fury crackling in the air.
The remaining guests stayed rooted in place, captivated by the spectacle. This was, without a doubt, the most scandalous event Tofral had seen in years.
If the media had been here, the headlines would have written themselves -this drama would dominate the city for weeks.
Realizing there was no salvaging the situation, Eric shot a cold glare at William and Renee. Beside him, Esme’s eyes burned with open disdain.
To her, Renee was insufferable.
Just then, as the Chadwick family neared the exit, they suddenly stopped.
It wasn’t clear who had just arrived and blocked their way out, but their certainly presence sent a ripple of tension through the room.
Then, a deep, commanding voice cut through the air. “What’s going on here?”
Austen’s anger dissipated almost instantly. His posture shifted, his expression no longer rigid with fury.
“You? Why are you here?” His voice held an edge of surprise. “When did you get back to Tofral?” Though his words sounded casual, the underlying respect was unmistakable.
Eric and Esme exchanged confused glances, just as baffled as everyone else.
Whispers spread through the crowd.
“Who is it?” someone murmured.
“No idea. Can’t see clearly from here.”
The Chadwick family shifted aside, revealing a tall man with a rugged presence. He was striking–handsome in an effortlessly commanding way -but unfamiliar.
He couldn’t be from Tofral. If he were, people from this room would have effortlessly recognized him. A man who could command the Chadwicks respect wouldn’t go unnoticed, and with looks like his, anonymity was impossible.
Whispers rippled through the crowd, speculation mounting. Then, the newcomer’s sharp gaze swept across the room, his expression unreadable -until his eyes landed on Renee.
“Renee, come here.” He called her name softly like he always had, as if it were second nature. And for years, it had been. The moment those words left his lips, she would instinctively lower her guard and go to him.
Even if she had been mid–argument, the second he called out to her, she would fall silent, standing before him without a second thought.
But that was then.
Now, everything was different.
