A Wedding Night Gone Terribly Wrong novel Chapter 203

That night was heavy with tension.

Even Roland Lockwood, who rarely returned to the main house, came back.

Without notifying anyone, he marched through the front doors at midnight, carrying the winter chill in his three-piece suit, and took a seat on the highest sofa in the living room.

He waited for his household to come greet him.

Madeleine hurried downstairs, a dark cashmere shawl draped over her silk nightgown.

She approached cautiously, assessing his mood.

"You're home early," she offered.

It was past midnight. Sneaking back like this and forcing everyone out of bed to serve him—she was annoyed, but didn't dare show it.

Roland maintained his usual stony expression. His first words were a sharp reprimand: "Did you call the police!?"

"Yes," she replied, sitting on the opposite end of the sofa, pulling her shawl tighter.

"You've got some nerve! Reaching out to provincial officials behind my back?"

She forced a smile. "You're always so busy. I was just trying to handle things myself and share your burden."

No matter how miserable their marriage was, Rochelle had been their shared daughter. A father would inevitably want justice for his child's death.

Madeleine adjusted her shawl.

She noticed the deep lines on his face relax slightly.

"Keep a close eye on it. Close the case early," he ordered, giving his implicit approval.

"I will."

"Short-sighted, sloppy, useless woman!" he spat.

Her eye twitched.

Roland continued his tirade. "That Winifred—she's nothing but a weed, and you've been fumbling around, unable to put her in her place!"

"I..."

"Soft-hearted and hesitant! I've had enough of it!"

"..."

Roland looked at his son. "Where are we on the pharmaceutical company?"

Holden had proposed expanding their empire into Kingsbridge three years ago.

His first step had been turning Iris into a household name, creating a powerful social and media presence that served as the family's calling card among the elite.

The city's top players now respected them.

The first phase of Holden's business plan had been a massive success.

Recently, he had launched the second phase: entering the medical sector.

Roland fully supported this.

Industries changed, and businesses rose and fell, but healthcare was eternal.

With modern pollution and food safety issues, it was an endlessly profitable venture.

Holden laid out the details. "I've met with several traditional pharmaceutical companies. They lack innovation and are falling behind."

"I plan to acquire Veridian Pharmaceuticals."