Chapter 175: You're Old

Tension lingered before a relative intervened. "Let it go, Steven," they said. "Ian's never gotten along with you. Don't let him ruin your happy occasion. Just let him be." But Steven remained firm. "I'll say it one last time, Ian. Come over here."

Dominic patted Ian's shoulder, urging compliance.

Finally, Ian moved. He took a glass of champagne and approached the altar, his expression cold and indifferent. Raising his glass to his soon-to-be stepmother, he said, "I wish you both a long and happy life together." He then drained the champagne in one gulp.

The bride's expression hardened. Approaching him, she whispered, "You abandoned me first, and I couldn't move on. This is the only option. You forced me this far."

Steven, furious, glared contemptuously at Ian. "Wait for me in the lounge," he ordered.

Without a word, Ian tossed the empty glass onto the carpeted floor and left.

Bella sighed with relief. After the ceremony, everyone went to the dining hall, but Dominic was missing. Bella assumed he'd gone to find Ian and joined the others for dinner.

Meanwhile, in the lounge, Steven and Ian faced each other. Rage contorted Steven's face as he removed his jacket and punched Ian.

Ian swayed from the impact, blood trickling from his lip. He showed little reaction, as if accustomed to such treatment. With a sarcastic smirk, he asked, "Are you done? If so, I'll leave."

Steven snorted. "You're still as annoying as ever. I don't care about your past relationship with her. She's your stepmother now, and you need to behave."

Ian touched his aching cheek. "Don't worry. From now on, I'll have nothing to do with either of you. Steven, you've disappointed me for over twenty years, constantly crossing the line. After all these years, we're finally done."

Steven raised his fist to strike again, but Ian grabbed his wrist. Steven struggled, but couldn't break free, disbelief flashing across his face.

Ian's tone was cold. "You're old."

Steven froze, the words' impact resonating beyond their literal meaning.

The lounge door burst open, and Dominic entered. "Ian!"

Ian released his father's wrist, his usual carefree demeanor returning. "I'm fine. Let's go, Dom."

Dominic glanced at Steven, offering a curt nod before leaving with Ian.

Once they were alone, Ian said, "Dom, be careful. They've already dispatched assassins after you." He referred to the aftermath of Dominic's assassination of the mob boss. The boss's son, now Amber's fiancé, would surely seek revenge. Dominic nodded. "I know. You worry about your own affairs. I can handle mine."