A Wedding Night Gone Terribly Wrong novel Chapter 213

It wasn’t Madeleine’s abandonment that terrified Iris. Madeleine was just a chauffeur’s daughter who had schemed her way into Roland’s bed, given birth to a string of daughters, and spent her life embroiled in petty squabbles, only to be met with cold indifference by the Lockwoods.

In fact, Iris was secretly thrilled about the divorce. Once Madeleine was kicked out of the mansion and sent far away, she wouldn't be around to interfere with Iris and Holden’s life.

What truly terrified Iris was the possibility of a miraculous reversal for the woman locked in the detention center—Winifred.

This unbelievable turn of events frightened Iris for two reasons. First, if Winifred possessed concrete evidence and made it public, Iris—as the future daughter-in-law—would inevitably be dragged into the fallout. The public backlash could destroy her carefully curated image and ruin her reality-star career. Second, it meant Winifred had a massive power backing her, a force that eclipsed even the Seaport City Lockwood branch.

The thought made her sick with anxiety.

Just then, Holden’s gentle voice floated over to her. “Don't be afraid.”

Iris looked up at him with wide, teary eyes. “Holden...”

He gave her a reassuring nod, his demeanor both tender and fiercely resolute. “I’ve got everything under control.”

Holden then raised his voice to quiet the room. “Everyone, calm down. I will handle this.” He stared down at the phone in his hand.

Unable to hide her desperation, Iris whispered, “Did they reply?”

They had been out at a club when they received the frantic call from home. Holden had immediately started working his political connections.

Roland’s icy voice cut through the tension. “Don't waste your breath. The investigation team has been entirely replaced. The top authority in Kingsbridge personally ordered this reinvestigation.”

His other uncle chimed in sarcastically. “The head of security has already been detained in the backyard. Why don't you go ask him how your ‘benevolent’ mother ordered him to buy and release those snakes?”

“Holden...” Seeing him stand alone against the entire room, Iris gently tugged at his suit jacket. *Don't fight them,* she thought. *It’s not worth going against the whole family for her.*

After Madeleine was arrested, the staff she had controlled immediately confessed to save themselves. The facts were clear; she was getting exactly what she deserved. Being locked away was the best outcome for everyone.

But Holden turned to Iris, his eyes brimming with deep affection. “She is my mother. Saving her is my duty. Furthermore, she is your future mother-in-law. If she goes down, the scandal will tarnish your reputation.”

Oh. The realization washed over Iris, moving her to the core. She had thought she was the only one worried about her image. But Holden, who loved her so deeply, had already anticipated the fallout. He was stepping into the line of fire to shield her before the damage could even reach her.

The rest of the family members watched this exchange, collectively shaking their heads in disgust.