Liam Winston hadn't gone far.
He stopped at the stairwell.
Irritation churned inside him.
The sound of shattering glass came from the bridal suite.
A champagne flute had broken.
Chloe Evans was throwing another tantrum.
In the past, he would have swallowed his anger and rushed to comfort her.
They'd had arguments before.
But those had been playful lover's quarrels.
This was different.
He sensed a change in Chloe.
He remembered how she used to cling to his arm, sweet and demure.
When others teased them, she'd smile coyly.
"Don't misunderstand—I only see Liam as an older brother..."
Now he realized she'd called her ex-husband "brother" too.
Just how many "brothers" did she have?
Once a crack formed, it spread like wildfire.
Liam's expression darkened as he grabbed his car keys.
Mrs. Winston's voice stopped him.
"Leaving alone on your wedding night? Do you want to humiliate the Winstons further?"
She approached, resting a hand on his shoulder.
"Today is your wedding. Hold your head high. If you show no shame, no one will dare laugh at you."
Her words carried calculation.
"Go calm Chloe down. Her dowry was eight million. Her parents may be shrewd, but they're not clever."
Every syllable dripped with manipulation.
"Such people are easy to control. If we faced true adversaries, could the Winstons compete?"
Liam hesitated.
Chloe's muffled sobs reached his ears.
His resolve softened.
After all, she was his unattainable love for years.
Perhaps she was simply too kind—maybe her ex-husband had stirred trouble deliberately.
"Mother, I understand. I'll soothe her."
"Good."
Mrs. Winston watched her son return to the suite, smirking.
Love and affection were illusions.
Only profit lasted.
Inside, Chloe wept pitifully.
Hearing the door open, she let fresh tears fall.
Liam embraced her from behind, wiping her cheeks.
"Don't cry. I spoke harshly earlier." He sighed. "I lashed out because I care. Forgive me—it won't happen again."
He kissed the corner of her mouth.
Chloe leaned into him.
Her upturned face was the picture of vulnerability.
"Liam, as long as you believe me. You're all I care about. Don't doubt me again—it breaks my heart."
"I won't."
Chloe exhaled inwardly.
The drama had served its purpose.
Her lips curved.
If she could manipulate him once, she could do it forever.
With a few words, the fight was forgotten.
They kissed passionately, losing themselves in the night.
Chloe closed her eyes, drowning in pleasure—unaware of the cold glint in Liam's gaze.
If Sophia Sullivan knew about tonight, she'd mock him mercilessly for this disgrace!