Family on Their Knees Heart Turned to Ice novel Chapter 856

She was draped in a haute couture bridal gown from a top luxury brand, the price tag astronomical.

Around her neck hung rare jewels won at an exclusive auction, catching the light and sparkling with a dazzling, fiery brilliance.

Her flawless makeup had been crafted by an elite team flown in from overseas, ensuring she was the absolute center of attention.

Today, she was undeniably the most breathtaking bride in the world.

Step by step, she walked toward the groom she had coveted for years. It was the proudest moment of her life, but she knew the best was yet to come. The true highlight of this wedding hadn't even happened yet.

She moved gracefully, eagerly anticipating the spectacular scene that was about to unfold.

Under the envious and awestruck gazes of hundreds of guests, Bella finally reached Sebastian.

Martin Mercer formally placed her hand into Sebastian's.

For the final stretch, she linked arms with Sebastian, and together they ascended the steps to the main altar.

—

Meanwhile, at the launch venue, Emma Ruiz stepped out onto the stage to act as the host. Glancing out at the sparse audience, she noted that aside from their own staff and the Litech executives, there was barely a soul in the room.

Despite the empty seats and the completely dead livestream, Emma's opening remarks were delivered with razor-sharp professionalism. She had rehearsed this meticulously.

Lillian had instructed her beforehand—it didn't matter if no one was watching live; the launch would be recorded and scrutinized later. Emma wasn't about to get sloppy. She maintained top-tier energy and polish throughout her introduction.

—

The wedding, by contrast, was a roaring spectacle. As the ceremony officially commenced, the couple exchanged vows, gazing deeply into each other's eyes. The media's cameras zoomed in, broadcasting every micro-expression and tender movement to the world.

The atmosphere in the hall was electric, and the livestream was exploding with hundreds of thousands of concurrent viewers.

The sight of them sent a shockwave through the crowd. Whispers had been circulating all morning about the glaring absence of the groom's parents. Everyone assumed that since the elders were in Northwyn but refused to attend, they deeply disapproved of the marriage.

Bella had heard the gossip, too, but she hadn't cared. She was entirely convinced that Old Mr. Blake was about to march up to the stage and publicly hand her a ten-million-dollar bridal gift, cementing her dominance once and for all.

So, while the guests were stunned by the dramatic interruption, Bella wasn't.

Up on the altar, Sebastian stared at his parents in shock, completely ignoring the dropped ring. A groomsman scrambled to pick it up, but Sebastian didn't even reach for it.

He was paralyzed by confusion. Why were they here?

He knew exactly how his parents felt about this wedding. They despised the idea of it and flat-out refused to acknowledge Bella as their daughter-in-law. So why show up now? It made no sense. Had something drastic happened to change their minds?

Heart pounding, Sebastian glanced at Bella.

To his horror, there wasn't an ounce of surprise on her face. Instead, she looked absolutely thrilled.