After the Cold Marriage His Crazy Love (Iris and Julian) novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26 Quiet Power

Finished

Beatrice took Iris’s hand and gave it a squeeze, her voice full of pride. “You look absolutely stunning. You should do this more often–Julian’s going to be floored.”

Iris glanced at herself in the mirror.

She did look beautiful.

But it wasn’t just the appearance–it was the feeling. For once, she wasn’t dressing up for someone else. She was doing it for herself.

“I will,” she said. “But not for Julian. For me.”

Beatrice nodded approvingly. “That’s the way it should be.”

The gala had begun.

Iris walked in with Beatrice on her arm, their entrance framed by cascading chandeliers and a soft classical piano piece echoing through the ballroom.

Guests were already mingling–old money, young elites, sharp suits, designer gowns. The food stations shimmered with luxury. A dance floor had been cleared at the center, ready for the evening’s waltz.

Tonight’s honorees were Julian’s father, Frederick, and his second wife, Vivian.

Iris felt out of place. This world wasn’t hers. It never had been. But next to Beatrice, people noticed her. And they looked.

Beatrice introduced her proudly.

“This is my eldest granddaughter–in–law, Iris Whitlow. She’s a pharmaceutical scientist- brilliant young woman.”

Iris greeted each guest with polite confidence. She was poised, articulate, and genuine–none of it forced. No one could mistake her for anything less than accomplished.

She wasn’t from this world, but she didn’t shrink in it either. Still, she felt someone watching her closely. She turned her head slightly, scanning the room.

There were eyes everywhere. But one gaze cut through. Julian.

Standing at the edge of a conversation, a drink in hand, looking directly at her.

His suit sharp, his posture easy, but his eyes locked on her like a flame. He wasn’t listening to

1/3

12:33 Tue, May 5

Chapter 26 Quiet Power

anyone else.

0:

Iris’s breath hitched. She looked away quickly and stepped closer to Beatrice.

31

Finished

Don’t overthink it. Julian stares at parking meters like they’re brooding poets. He could make a lamppost feel seen.

Just then…

“Iris.”

A male voice, gentle but teasing. She turned. It was Julian’s younger brother, Caleb. With his signature smirk and a drink in hand. “You look… incredible tonight.”

The hair on the back of her neck prickled.

Beatrice, overhearing, frowned and walked over.

“That’s your sister–in–law,” she scolded, swatting Caleb’s arm. “Mind your manners.”

Caleb chuckled and looped an arm around Beatrice. “Relax, Grandma. I’m just paying my respects.”

He turned back to Iris, picking up two cocktails from a passing tray. “Iris, will you share a drink with me?” Caleb’s voice was soft, warm with a trace of pleading. “Just one–it’s a toast out of respect.”

In this kind of setting, turning down a polite toast from Julian’s younger brother would have seemed rude.

Iris hesitated for a moment, then reached out to take the glass.

Caleb’s smile lit up instantly, his eyes curved in delight. He raised his glass toward her, clinking gently against hers.

The sound was crisp, almost cheerful. Caleb’s eyes locked onto hers, intense and unwavering, as he tilted his head back and downed the whole drink in one go.

“All done,” he said, holding out the empty glass for her to see. “No pressure, just take your time.”

Iris didn’t make a fuss. Holding the glass by the stem, she took a sip.

It was light, slightly sweet. She finished it in one smooth motion.

The aftertaste had a bite, but nothing she couldn’t handle.

Caleb’s smile shifted, more subdued now, but his gaze clung to her like syrup.

“Didn’t think you

2/3

12:33 Tue, May 5.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify