A Wedding Night Gone Terribly Wrong novel Chapter 100

The man waved enthusiastically. "Winifred! You're here too!"

Winifred pulled her leg back out of the car and forced a polite smile. "Hello, Mr. Stroud."

It was Chuck Stroud, the brother-in-law of Seaport City's mayor. He was highly connected, and businessmen everywhere constantly kissed up to him.

Chuck had a notoriously chubby son. Years ago, when Winifred was eighteen, the young Stroud heir had visited the Lockwood estate and taken a liking to her. Soon after, Chuck approached Roland Lockwood and bluntly proposed a marriage arrangement. Roland immediately agreed, seeing Winifred as nothing more than a bargaining chip to secure political ties.

But twenty-three-year-old Holden had furiously intervened. He flat-out refused to let Winifred be handed over to the young Stroud heir. The ensuing argument had been explosive, and it was the catalyst that led to Holden's mother discovering their secret relationship.

Maddeningly, the narrative quickly twisted. By the time of Madeleine's birthday banquet, the rumor was that Winifred was a desperate gold-digger clinging to Holden. High-society brats surrounded her, calling her a slut. The older socialites cornered her, mocking her for being a pathetic, lovesick stalker.

Chuck stopped in front of them, his beady, lecherous eyes raking over Winifred. "Wow. Haven't seen you in years, Winifred. You really blossomed. Absolutely gorgeous, haha!"

Winifred lowered her gaze, thoroughly disgusted by his predatory stare.

Holden's voice turned ice-cold. "What brings you to Kingsbridge, Mr. Stroud?"

"Oh, just tagging along with Mr. Langdon. He's pitching a project to Lockwood Group," Chuck replied breezily before turning it back on him. "What about you?"

"Iris's brother is getting married," Holden smiled smoothly. "And I'm keeping her company while she shoots a reality show."

"Ah, right, right." Chuck's shoulders hiked up as his eyes widened in sudden realization. "Man, I almost forgot! Winifred didn't manage to lock you down after all. You ended up with Iris! Good choice, too. Ever since you guys went public, her career skyrocketed. You're her good luck charm!"

"I heard you two are getting engaged. When's the big day?"

Holden scoffed arrogantly. "Forcing a woman who can't have me to watch another woman claim me is the only way to cure her obsession. She needs to know it's over."

"Besides, I'm doing this for Iris. I want her to see that I have absolutely nothing to hide. I only want her. No matter how desperately other women throw themselves at me, I remain completely unmoved."

What a devoted, loyal man, Chuck thought, thoroughly impressed. No wonder he's so successful. Treat your woman right, and the wealth follows.

He mentally applauded Holden. But then he glanced back at Winifred and whispered, "Still... aren't you worried Iris might get jealous having your desperate ex hovering around?"

Holden casually brushed Chuck's heavy hand off his shoulder.

"My Iris is flawless. She has the beauty, the talent, the fame, and the adoration of millions. Why on earth would she feel threatened by a plain, pathetic stalker?"