The Villainess Needs a Hug (Ivy Windsor) novel Chapter 1007

But the reality deeply disappointed him.

The reverend turned his attention to the bride.

"Ms. Katrina Lester, do you take Mr. Julian Sterling to be your lawfully wedded husband? To love him, to be faithful to him, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to have and to hold, from this day forward, until death do you part?"

Katrina stood there like a walking corpse, showing absolutely no reaction to his words. Even her eyes were dark and hollow.

In the VIP seating below the stage, both Willa and Cassandra were staring at them intently.

Willa even frantically whispered a reminder, "Katrina? Katrina!"

Julian frowned at the woman beside him, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "Katrina, the reverend is asking you a question."

Katrina snapped out of her daze, her lips trembling slightly. "I—"

"She does not!" A booming voice suddenly erupted from the silent crowd, answering on Katrina's behalf.

Katrina spun around, her eyes sweeping the audience before locking onto Naylor standing at the back of the guest seating. Shock washed over her face, her eyes widening in absolute horror!

When did he get here?

What was he doing?

Was he out of his mind?

Amidst her shock, Katrina's heart began racing wildly, her chest tightening so much in panic she could barely breathe.

Julian glared at his rival, his face morphing into a terrifying, murderous scowl as he watched him stride through the crowd—a complete departure from his usual elegant, gentlemanly demeanor.

The guests immediately erupted into murmurs.

"Who is that?"

"That's Naylor Wilson! You don't know him? He's a famous investor; his venture capital firm is incredibly well-known in the industry!"

"Then what's he doing here?"

"He's the bride's ex-boyfriend. How did you not know that?"

The vast majority of the guests had no idea, but gossip traveled at a terrifying speed. By the time Naylor reached the front of the stage, the entire venue knew exactly who he was.

Willa spotted Naylor and knew this was a disaster. Before he could take another step, she forced her frail body to stand, intercepting him in a hushed tone. "Naylor, please don't do this. You can't give Katrina happiness, but now someone else can. If you truly love her, you should graciously step aside."

Naylor looked at the elder in front of him, keeping his attitude relatively respectful. "Mrs. Lester, do you honestly believe this man can give your daughter happiness?"

Hearing this, Cassandra sprang up. "What is that supposed to mean? Do you know what kind of occasion this is? Get out immediately, or don't blame us for getting ugly!"

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