A Wedding Night Gone Terribly Wrong novel Chapter 362

"What kind of mother would harm her own baby? Winifred, you're making this up just to protect your son from taking responsibility!" Fabiola shrieked, her emotions spiraling.

Winifred's gaze remained sharp and unwavering. "A scratch? That's nothing. I've seen someone stab themselves in the stomach, risking their own life, just to secure an advantage for their child."

The dark memories were almost too much to bear. Winifred shook her head. Holding Seth close, she turned to Sylvia and Shannon.

"Sylvia, Shannon... I think it's time I take the kids home."

Sylvia reached out to comfort her. "Don't be upset, dear. I'll look into this and make sure justice is served."

Shannon quickly added, "There must be some misunderstanding. The Lockwoods are a loving, united family. Please trust that we'll give you a proper explanation."

The other women in the family chimed in, some offering advice, others comfort. They clustered around both Winifred and Fabiola.

Rising above the gentle hum of reassurances, Fabiola's voice cut through sharply. "Leland hasn't had a woman by his side for years! Now he suddenly brings back a wife and kids, and we know absolutely nothing about their character or background!"

Shannon's expression darkened. "Fabiola, lower your voice. Leland is an honorable man who would never do anything inappropriate. Besides, Seth looks exactly like his grandfather. Anyone can tell he's a Lockwood."

"Looking alike isn't proof!" Fabiola retorted. "Lots of people look alike! After what happened today, I refuse to live under the same roof as outsiders we know nothing about. To make sure he never hurts my son again, we need a paternity test. I won't feel safe until it's scientifically proven they belong to this family."

A paternity test?

Winifred's heart skipped a beat. She pulled Annie away from Sylvia and held both her children tightly against her chest.

"Fabiola," she said coldly, "take that up with your husband. Have him bring it up with Leland. The kids and I answer to Leland, no one else."

She had nothing left to say. Now, it was entirely up to Leland.

Winifred kissed his forehead. But in her distraction, she missed a step.

Her ankle twisted violently, and she stumbled, falling to the side with both kids in her arms. The Lockwood women gasped and rushed forward to catch them.

Thankfully, they were intercepted before hitting the ground. But the damage to her right ankle was done. She had dressed up formally at Leland's request, and the restrictive clothing and heels had made it impossible to catch her balance.

"Winifred, Fabiola is just acting out today. Once she calms down, we'll get to the bottom of this. Please don't take it to heart," Sylvia said, her face etched with concern as she helped them up.

Touched by the older woman's warmth, Winifred forced a smile. "Thank you, Sylvia."

"Be a good girl. Trust that the women married into the Lockwood family are carefully chosen. She just had a moment of foolishness."