Chapter 295

Luke scrutinized the photos repeatedly. They matched Shirley's description perfectly. Her meticulous preparation clearly indicated long-held murderous intent toward Cynthia.

"But the Yates family is prestigious in Roncrity," Luke said. "How could I possibly get into their wedding?"

Shirley produced an invitation. "The reception's on the Caesar Hotel's top floor. This will get you in. Cynthia's a bridesmaid; she'll be easy to spot. Make sure it's one shot. I've arranged for a hacker to disable the surveillance system. Afterward, some bribed staff will cut the power, giving you time to escape. A van will be waiting to take you to the airport."

The plan was flawless. The $16 million and Damianus loomed as a fatal temptation. But Luke had doubts. "What if I can't escape? What if I'm caught?"

The Yates wedding would be heavily guarded. Killing Cynthia wouldn't be as easy as Shirley claimed. Failure could ruin his future.

Shirley reassured him, "If you're caught, use me as a hostage. We'll escape together. Nothing can go wrong."

Luke considered this, then agreed. "I'll help you get rid of Cynthia, but you keep your promise. If I'm caught, I'll expose you, and you'll go to prison."

Shirley smiled. "Don't worry. This benefits us both. I won't let you get caught."

That day, the Yates wedding lacked joy. Pamela, usually meticulous about her appearance, wore the same dress she'd worn to Cynthia and Filip's wedding three years prior. Many daytime events were simplified. In the afternoon, they went to the Caesar Hotel.

The top-floor banquet hall was beautifully decorated, with a dreamy ambiance. A giant sycamore tree centerpiece, surrounded by moonflowers, dominated the stage. Lilian had designed the scene; the moonflowers reminded her of her childhood home. Despite its shabbiness, the walls were covered in them. They grew steadily, eventually covering the entire wall. As a child, Lilian identified with their tenacious growth, striving to overcome limitations. Knowing Cynthia loved sycamores, Lilian smiled, satisfied with her arrangement.

Guests began arriving around five. Nine months pregnant, Lilian didn't greet them at the door, nor did Filip.

Chapter 295 (Continued)

Filip had no desire to host the wedding, but Lilian insisted on a grand, public affair. He couldn't understand her motives, but he only had two months left to endure. After Lilian gave birth, he planned to divorce her, give her a generous settlement, and send her abroad.

Lilian sat in the dressing room, admiring her reflection in a pristine white gown and veil. It was her dream. A secret, one she couldn't reveal, filled her heart with joy.

Filip entered, seeing her faint smile.

"Lilian," he said sarcastically, "what schemes are you dreaming up now? You're a monster!"

Lilian composed herself. "Filip, are you jealous?"

Filip scoffed. "Jealous? You mean nothing to me. Just give birth to my child and get out of my life." Despite his words, he felt disappointment and even hatred. He couldn't pinpoint what he resented—her ruining his life, her manipulation, or her lack of love for him.

Lilian stroked her belly. "No matter what, you're the father of our child. I'll never forget you."

Filip sneered. "It's my child. You'll reap what you've sown."

Lilian chuckled. "I accept it willingly."

Filip despised Lilian, yet felt lingering resentment and sadness. He had once loved her. He turned to leave, but Lilian called, "Wait."

"What is it?" he asked.

"I promised to disappear after the baby's born, but you agreed to two requests. You gave me the grand wedding."

"What's the second?"

Lilian retrieved something from a drawer. Filip snatched it, his expression changing. He was furious. "Lilian, what do you intend to do? Haven't you caused enough trouble?"

(Note: The final timestamp "10:25 Sun, Nov 17 w" seems out of place and is omitted.)