Chloe Evans curled her lips into a sweet smile.
"Thank you, Mrs. Winston."
She deliberately emphasized the last word, reminding her mother-in-law of her rightful place as Liam Winston's wife.
Turning to escort her ex-husband out, she mentally calculated her next move.
She always kept backup plans.
Though her ex's family had fallen from grace, they had once been influential.
Who knew when she might need his connections again?
Stepping into the hallway, she nearly collided with Liam.
"Where are you going?"
"Seeing my brother off."
Chloe lowered her lashes, voice soft as silk.
"I know it was improper, but he came all this way to bless our union."
She knew exactly when to play the fragile card.
Her ex had always been generous with her, even flying back from abroad for the wedding.
Though he called her "little sister," the lingering affection in his eyes was unmistakable.
Chloe believed in keeping all doors slightly ajar.
What if he regained his former glory?
Remembering his past extravagance contrasted sharply with Mrs. Winston's sudden warmth upon learning of her $8 million dowry.
Bitter resentment coiled in her chest.
"You don't mind, do you, Liam?"
Liam remained oblivious to her shifting thoughts.
"He's already gone."
His tone was icy.
"Your parents are settled at the hotel."
The memory of today's wedding fiasco made his jaw tighten.
This rushed ceremony had turned him into a laughingstock.
Had he known his in-laws would behave so disgracefully, he'd have taken precautions.
The faint disdain in his voice didn't escape Chloe.
Her eyes widened, tears pooling instantly.
"You're ashamed of my family?"
Her voice trembled.
"My ex showing up uninvited wasn't my fault."
A sob caught in her throat, eyes reddening.
"You'd make my parents stay at a hotel on our wedding night?"
"The Winstons own half the city—couldn't you spare one room?"
"They flew across oceans for this!"
"Do you know how humiliating this is?"
Liam's patience snapped.
All day, he'd endured veiled mockery beneath guests' polite smiles.
Had he not defied his grandfather for Chloe, those vipers wouldn't dare smirk behind their champagne flutes.
He'd risked everything for her—only to be repaid with this circus.
Her parents' naked social climbing made his skin crawl.
Criticizing the wine selection while fawning over wealthier guests—where were their manners?
Gritting his teeth, he finally exploded.
"Are you questioning me?"
Chloe's tears spilled over.
"What about that ex of yours showing up?"
Liam's voice turned arctic.
"Who informed him of our wedding details?"
"You wanted Sophia here too!"
Chloe fired back.
"Why couldn't I invite my brother?"
"You gave him the invitation!"
The accusation tore from Liam's lips.
Sophia Sullivan arriving alone would've been harmless.
But Chloe's ex? That "blessing" was clearly a provocation.
"You're taking Sophia's side over me?"
Chloe staggered back as if struck.
Tears streaked her cheeks.
Seeing her devastation, Liam regretted his outburst.
He inhaled deeply, forcing calm.
"I need space."
Turning on his heel, he walked away without looking back.
Chloe stormed into the bridal suite.
The festive decorations mocked her.
Blind rage surged—she swept an arm across the nightstand, sending crystal crashing to the floor.
The shattering echoed through the silent night.
To think their marriage would fracture on the first day.
If Sophia heard of this, that smug witch would gloat for weeks.