Victoria Chamberlain's haughty demeanor drew sideways glances from the wedding guests.
Many frowned discreetly, feeling attending this ceremony was beneath their dignity.
But the real drama had just begun.
During the traditional toast, a tall man suddenly stormed onto the stage.
He strode straight to Liam Winston, his tone laced with threat.
"Chloe was my wife. Since you're marrying her, you'd better treat her right."
Liam's face darkened instantly.
This was Chloe Evans' ex-husband from her overseas marriage!
The audience consisted of A-City's elite.
Suppressing his rage, Liam signaled security to escort the man out.
Instead of leaving, the ex-husband raised his glass toward Chloe.
"Though we're apart, I wish you happiness."
Chloe smiled sweetly, accepting the glass without hesitation.
"Thank you. Even divorced, you'll always be like family."
Liam's knuckles turned white gripping his glass.
He knew Chloe's nature - warm and considerate to everyone.
But this was their wedding!
The ex had flown twelve hours specifically to disrupt it.
"Family? You invited your ex without telling me?"
Liam kept his voice low, eyes icy.
Chloe widened her eyes, feigning hurt.
"Liam, don't you trust me? If we had something, would I let him appear so openly?"
"I just wanted him to witness our closure."
"Couldn't you consider the occasion?"
"You didn't object when I invited my sister!"
Chloe's eyes reddened, voice trembling.
"Deep down, you still doubt me. I never questioned your relationship with her..."
The bride and groom arguing mid-ceremony became A-City's first scandal.
Guests watched with relish - this banquet proved unexpectedly entertaining.
After the agonizing ceremony, Mrs. Winston summoned Chloe, her face stormy.
"Chloe, as a Winston now, you'll follow our rules."
"Today's fiasco humiliated our family!"
Remembering guests' mocking looks, Mrs. Winston trembled with rage.
Chloe toyed with her wedding band, smirking inwardly.
The old hag knew the marriage was sealed yet still tried controlling her.
She lifted her face, voice honeyed.
"Mother, I behaved poorly today. But my conscience is clear."
"My parents promised an $8 million dowry. Would I bring such wealth if my heart belonged elsewhere?"
"My love for Liam is genuine."
Housekeeping? Playing dutiful daughter-in-law?
The hag wanted a free maid.
But she wasn't the pushover Sophia Sullivan anymore.
She married into the Winstons to rule, not serve!
"Chloe, you misunderstand."
Hearing the dowry amount, Mrs. Winston's expression softened.
Not a fortune, but enough to cover urgent debts.
Her brother's constant money requests could finally stop.
"The Winston empire will be yours eventually. Why let outsiders benefit?"
Mrs. Winston smiled benevolently.
"I'll speak with Liam. His anger just shows how much he cares."