Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 570

The resort's garden was abuzz with the open-air wedding reception.

The chatter reached a fever pitch when Mr. Ayers arrived. After all, he wasn't someone you stumbled across at just any event. Now that he was here, nobody wanted to miss their chance; every so often, someone would try to strike up a conversation—if not to ask about his latest research, then at least to put a name to a face.

But they all ran into a wall of ice.

The kindly old gentleman who, just moments ago, had seemed so warm and animated talking with Forrest-well, that side of him vanished entirely when the others approached. There was no trace of friendliness; just a cold, aloof reserve.

Not even a polite greeting.

No matter how many people gathered around, none managed to get a word in. Each time, one of the students Mr. Ayers brought along would step in, smiling and deflecting the conversation with a few pleasantries before steering them away.

There was simply no way to break through.

Inevitably, the crowd that had originally come just to observe began to reconsider their assumptions. Even if Mila had broken off with the Montgomery family- whether it was over money, power, or because she'd been cast out-she certainly wasn't someone to be underestimated.

They would have to wait and see.

The once festive lawn gradually quieted. As more guests arrived, murmurs urged the bride-to-be to make her entrance. But just as the anticipation peaked, a new cluster of guests swept in from the garden arch.

The whole place erupted with whispers.

People paused mid-conversation, all eyes turning toward the newcomers, surprise etched on their faces. The lively chatter faded, replaced by a hush that spread across the lawn.

Beneath the flowered archway, Forrest watched the approaching group, a crease forming between his brows. He turned to Cara, who was frozen at his side. "Go to the dressing room and let Mimi know what's happening here."

"Oh! Yes, of course!" Cara replied, snapping out of it.

Forrest composed himself and strode forward, greeting the newcomers with a practiced smile.

...

Her arrival brought an instant lull; voices dropped, and glances flickered her way, some subtle, others not so

they?" she

didn't have time for nosy guests. Under the arch, she scanned the area, but there was no sign of Forrest or any of the

"Ms. Sutherland, over here."

her eye and gestured toward the house. As they walked together, he explained quietly, "It got a little crowded out here. Mr. Forrest took them

"Thank you," Mila said.

collect herself. Her heart, which had been pounding with anxiety, gradually steadied. No matter what happened, the guests

saw two neat lines of black-suited security guards flanking a set of doors. One group was their own staff, assigned by her and Forrest as a precaution for the engagement party; the

weren't here for a friendly

walked up to

her side swung

on the way over, but her breath still caught when

Her chest tightened.

Lysander!

What was he thinking?

to require a dozen layers of security and endless precautions. Mila never dared take a risk-one mistake

with Cossio lurking nearby, ready to strike

out of safety now-had he

Sophia's words from the dressing room, "Mila, you're trying to predict the

She wasn't.

knew Lysander cared deeply for Felicity, cared about everything to do with his mother. Everything he did against Cossio was for

was this

"Mila!"

on the

This is your engagement party! You're really not treating

far side of the

tied with ribbons were stacked against the wall-presents

bring them all. Some of them are antiques and little treasures I know you'll love. I'll have

Felicity beamed at her.

"Mila?"