Three Years Forgotten, Why Go Crazy When I Say Goodbye? novel Chapter 246

They stood there in a tense standoff, neither willing to back down an inch.

However, as more guests began to filter in, Julian, acting as the host, had to step away to manage the event. Before he left, he shot Willow one final glare. "A lot of the family elders are arriving. I suggest you behave yourself and stay out of trouble."

Watching him walk away, Willow scoffed internally. A lot of people? Perfect. She was just thinking the audience was a bit too small for what she had planned.

After Julian left, Willow lingered by the koi pond for a while. She leisurely tossed the rest of the fish food Toby had abandoned before slowly making her way to the main reception hall.

The hall was stunningly decorated, featuring a sprawling open-concept design. Minimalist ceilings with recessed warm lighting were paired with an artistic chandelier, creating a soft, elegant glow that wasn't overly harsh.

Clearly, Julian had poured a lot of money and effort into this, likely planning to show off his success. What a shame he had insisted on dragging her along to ruin it.

Not far away was a sprawling dessert bar, loaded with intricate pastries. Feeling a bit hungry, Willow wandered over to grab a bite.

She had barely stopped, hand hovering over a plate, when a group of middle-aged women strutted up behind her. They were in their late forties or fifties, dripping in expensive jewelry and heavy makeup. None of them bothered to look her in the eye.

Willow vaguely recognized them as some of Julian's aunts, but she wasn't entirely sure. She had never been given the chance to actually meet them properly during her marriage.

It was painfully obvious they had zeroed in on her. The hall was massive, yet they chose to stand directly behind her, talking loudly in feigned surprise, putting on a highly choreographed performance.

"Oh my, isn't that Julian's wife? I thought she was stationed out on the West Coast. When did she get back?"

"You didn't know? I heard she's been back for a while. Word is she got caught doing something shady and was fired from Sinclair Group."

One of the slightly younger ones recovered first and puffed up her chest. "How dare you speak to us like that? We are your elders!"

"Elders? What a joke. You don't even know my name, but you spend all day gossiping behind people's backs, and you actually have the nerve to demand respect as elders?" Willow unleashed her fury, stripping away any pretense of politeness.

The color drained from the women's faces instantly.

Some people were exactly like this—bullies who preyed on the weak but crumbled at the first sign of resistance. Giving in only emboldened them. Fighting back was the only way to make them back off.

"Willow Horgan!" another heavily made-up aunt shrieked. "What kind of nonsense are you spouting?! Is this how you speak to your family? Do you have no class? No manners?!"