Chapter 220 Your Sister–In
-Law
Renee’s first instinct was to glance at William before stepping toward Ryder.
“Mr. Chadwick…”
For a split second, something flickered in Ryder’s eyes–something dark. But just as quickly, his expression returned to its usual indifference.
The Chadwick family exchanged confused looks. Renee knew Ryder? And not just in passing–their familiarity was obvious.
Yet no one dared to ask.
Without ceremony, Ryder lifted a hand towards Laurie. His tone was cool, almost dismissive. “Laurie, come here.”
Laurie stiffened. The sudden attention sent a jolt of surprise through her, though beneath it, a flicker of something else—maybe flattery–began to take shape.
Even Austen was taken aback for a moment before quickly nudging Laurie forward.
“Laurie, go on! Your cousin is calling you! Why are you just standing there?”
Feeling the weight of everyone’s eyes on her, Laurie stepped forward, suddenly hyper–aware of the way her hands gripped the hem of her dress. A nervous energy buzzed through her.
“Um… Hi, Ryder…” she murmured.
Ryder gave a curt nod. “Greet her.”
Laurie blinked, confused. Who?
A brief silence settled over the room as the realization dawned. He was telling her to greet Renee.
Laurie’s gaze landed on Renee, hesitation flickering in her eyes. How was she supposed to address her?
“Miss Carter…”
Before she could say another word, Ryder cut in.
“Think again, Laurie.”
Laurie looked baffled.
Silence washed over the room.
It wasn’t just Laurie–every member of the Chadwick family, along with the onlookers, was caught off guard. Whispers rippled through the crowd as confusion took hold. What was going on?
Laurie had just addressed Renee as “Miss Carter“, which seemed perfectly fine to them. However, Ryder didn’t seem to think so. So what should Laurie really call Renee?
“Mr. Chadwick?” Renee’s voice held a note of confusion as well. She wasn’t quite sure what to make of his actions either.
Ryder’s eyes gleamed with quiet amusement.
Laurie froze at his faint smile.
In all the years she had known him–however few–Ryder had never been anything but cold, distant, and unreadable. She had never seen him smile before.
So… he could actually smile?
But the strangest part? That smile was for Renee.
In that moment, admiration flickered in Laurie’s chest as she looked at Renee.
Ryder’s voice softened in a way no one expected whenever he spoke to her.
“Since Mr. Mitchell sees you as his sister now, Renee will, by extension, become your sister–in–law.”
The words seemed casual, almost like an afterthought, yet they sent another wave of shock through the room.
Even the Chadwick family was stunned. Just like that, Ryder let William walk away unscathed.
The crowd could hardly believe it. “Did that really just happen?” No discussion with Austen, no second opinions–just a snap decision. “Where does he get the nerve?”
And then, as if the night couldn’t get any stranger, Austen’s voice rang out, warm and certain. “William, since the wedding is off, let’s have Laurie change out of that wedding gown first.”
He raised his voice, making sure everyone could hear. “We truly appreciate you all for being here today. But the wedding is officially canceled. Still, we have something else to celebrate. From now on, Laurie and William will share a bond–not as husband and wife, but as brother and sister.”
Silence fell over the room.
Brother and sister? Just like that?
The Chadwick and Mitchell families had basically become sworn enemies when William declared he would never marry Laurie. Yet Ryder walked in and unraveled things in just minutes?
Who was he?
Austen seemed to mention Ryder was Laurie’s cousin, which made him part of the Chadwick family.
Wait! Could it be the Chadwick family branch from Stotta?!
That would explain everything.
Eric and Esme were still piecing it together, but by the time realization hit, the guests were already stepping forward, offering their congratulations.
