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.

...

Mila rushed over, the crowd on the lawn was in full swing. Her arrival brought an instant lull; voices dropped,

they?" she

time for nosy guests. Under the arch, she scanned the area, but there was no sign of Forrest or any

"Ms. Sutherland, over here."

from the arch, caught her eye and gestured toward the house. As they walked together, he explained quietly, "It got a little

"Thank you," Mila said.

had been pounding with anxiety, gradually steadied. No matter what happened, the guests were here

into the hallway, Mila saw two neat lines of black-suited security guards flanking a set of doors. One group was their own staff, assigned by her and

here for a

walked up to the

at her side

to calm herself on the way over, but her breath still caught when she stepped

Her chest tightened.

Lysander!

What was he thinking?

out of the house used to require a dozen layers of security and endless precautions. Mila

with Cossio lurking nearby, ready

out of safety now-had he lost his

dressing room, "Mila, you're trying

She wasn't.

about everything to do with his mother. Everything he did against Cossio was for Felicity for his mother. He

was

"Mila!"

been laughing with Conrad Montgomery on the sofa, heard the door and leapt up, rushing over to grab Mila's

party! You're really not treating me like a friend at all. Look, I brought you

to the far

of boxes tied with ribbons were stacked against the wall-presents from Felicity, nearly filling the

Some of them are antiques and little treasures I know you'll

Felicity beamed at her.

"Mila?"

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