A Wedding Night Gone Terribly Wrong novel Chapter 39

The agonizing handshake finally ended.

Holden and Iris didn't linger. After a polite greeting to the Sutton elders, they seamlessly pivoted toward the other high-profile guests.

One was the Reality TV Queen, the other an elite billionaire heir. The crowd naturally gravitated toward them, eager to chat, snap photos, and flatter them.

Laughter filled the air. The gorgeous couple was adored and worshipped by everyone.

Winifred looked away.

Right in front of her, Nelly reached out and warmly took Beatrice's hand.

"Are we going to hear wedding bells for Iris and Mr. Lockwood soon?"

Beatrice, radiating wealthy arrogance and maternal pride, smiled brilliantly.

"Well, originally, Holden's period of mourning kept delaying things."

"But last night, he finally made his peace. Under the moonlight, he proposed to my Iris. They've decided to hold their engagement party next month."

A nearby socialite gasped in shock. "Mr. Lockwood was in mourning?"

"Yes, indeed. For three whole years," Beatrice said, puffing her chest with pride. "My future son-in-law is an incredibly devoted man."

The socialite smiled, a look of sudden realization washing over her face.

"That makes perfect sense! Mr. Lockwood announced his engagement to Iris three years ago, but then it was put on hold. We've only seen them looking so sickeningly in love in the media since then, but never heard any updates on the actual wedding."

Winifred instantly connected the dots. Madeleine's stab wounds hadn't been cured—she had died. And Holden had mourned his mother for three long years.

That deep mourning stemmed from his unresolved grief over her tragic life and violent end. His devotion to his mother was so intense that he had lived like a monk for three years.

Beatrice was on cloud nine today. Her eldest son had finally seen the light and divorced his poor ex-wife. As a divorced man with two kids, he was now miraculously marrying the youngest daughter of the Sutton family—the second wealthiest family in Kingsbridge.

"That's exactly right." Beatrice watched her daughter and future son-in-law, her smile blooming like a massive peony.

"He spent over fifty million dollars on that show alone for her."

"My daughter has always dreamed of being a star, but she just never got the right opportunities. Once she started dating Holden, he hired top-tier coaches who had trained generations of A-listers. He accompanied her to classes every day and personally oversaw every detail to support her."

No wonder. That explained how Iris became an overnight sensation, ruthlessly snatching the title of Reality TV Queen.

Another woman chimed in with breathless praise. "Mr. Lockwood's devotion is legendary. Whether she's attending galas or shooting on set, the media always catches him right by her side."

Beatrice beamed with immense pride. "The entertainment industry is full of beautiful, talented people. The fact that my daughter could skyrocket to the top and become an idol for everyone, young and old, is completely thanks to the relentless love and support of her Mr. Lockwood."

A younger woman nearby frowned, putting on a pitiful, self-deprecating smile.

"You're so right, Mrs. Morgan. Just look at me—I've got no one backing me. I've been grinding in this industry for three years, and all I've managed is a five-hundred-dollar gig acting as a tech bro's plus-one tonight."