Chapter 299

"Not yet, almost there," an impatient voice said over the phone.

"What are you doing? Why aren't you here yet? Luke, if you don't pull this off today, you won't get a cent," Shirley said.

"Bitch, you think killing someone is as simple as killing a chicken? Don't I need to check the surroundings and find an escape route?" Luke hadn't killed anyone before and was nervous. But the thought of $16 million to gamble in Las Vegas, and his personal grudge against Cynthia, pushed him to proceed.

He'd acquired a gun on the black market, but doubts lingered. His biggest concern was Shirley. If I go through with this, will she keep her word? Or is she just playing me? he wondered.

But then he thought, We're in this together. If I get caught, I can reveal how she killed her father, and she'll spend the rest of her life in prison. Shirley's not stupid enough to risk that!

With that, Luke entered. He had an invitation from Shirley, but it wasn't needed. The security guards were absent. He strolled in casually, dressed in a baseball cap and mask—a somewhat sneaky look—but nobody paid him much attention. He quickly found an empty seat near the stage.

A few women with children sat at the table. Preoccupied with their conversation, they didn't notice him.

"The wedding's started, but where's the groom?"

"We've been here a while, and Filip hasn't shown up."

"Ugh, I was at one of his weddings before, and he didn't show up then either."

"What were the Yates family thinking? They embarrassed themselves three years ago, and here we are again."

"Everyone knows the bride was the other woman back then, and now they're having this big wedding without the groom. Just like three years ago, their reputation is ruined!"

"Look at the bride's belly; she's almost nine months pregnant. Who needs a wedding with a baby on the way?"

"I heard from Lucy that Pamela tearfully confided the wedding was the mistress's idea, using her pregnancy to force the Yates family into it, even forcing the ex-wife to be a bridesmaid or else she'd abort the baby."

"Oh dear, how malicious! Ms. Jones is so generous to agree to this."

"The Yates family must have pleaded with her. After all, he's their eldest grandson. Ms. Jones really does have the patience of a saint."

The ballroom buzzed with gossip. Everyone was engrossed in the rumors, except the Yates family, who were in chaos.

Lilian stood on stage. The worried emcee hurried over. "Ms. Sheppard, we can't find Mr. Yates. What should we do?"

Without a groom, how could the ceremony continue? Lilian's face showed no anger. Her gaze was fixed, her expression distant. "Start the ceremony," she said.

The emcee thought he'd misheard. "I'm sorry, what?"

Lilian looked at him firmly. "I said start the ceremony. Follow the usual procedure. If the groom is absent, the bridesmaid will take over."

The emcee was astonished. He'd hosted countless weddings and seen last-minute changes, but never anything like this. Usually, such incidents would halt the ceremony, with some excuse offered. This was the first time he'd encountered such a calm bride.

The emcee, taking his instructions as he had been paid to do, stepped to center stage, microphone in hand, and announced, "Now, the wedding of Mr. Yates and Ms. Sheppard has officially begun…"

The audience was surprised. How could a wedding proceed without the groom? Even Pamela and Henry thought Lilian was reckless. It seemed she was determined to embarrass the Yates family, but there was no turning back.

The ceremony continued, step by step. They reached the ring exchange. The emcee said, "Now, would the bridesmaid please bring up the rings?"

The ring exchange presented a unique challenge. The audience watched with growing interest, like a thrilling drama. Some stood and moved closer.

A crowd gathered, women and children excitedly clapping and chanting, "Bride's alone, groom's on the run!" The adults seemed amused, letting the children's singing continue.

Lilian remained unmoved. She stood alone on stage in her wedding gown, her head covered by a veil. A beam of light shone down, making her seem like a flower blooming in a dark pond.

Meanwhile, Cynthia, hearing her name called, knew it was time. As bridesmaid, her duty was to deliver the rings. Despite her concern for Jonathan, she went on stage.

Where is Filip? Why didn't he show up? Even without him, why is Lilian so determined to proceed? Is it obsession? she wondered, but respected Lilian's decision.

Holding the ring box, Cynthia walked toward Lilian. The lights created the illusion of a runway. A spotlight followed her, and with each step, it seemed red roses bloomed—as bright as fresh blood.

The banquet hall lights dimmed, leaving three spots: one on the bride, one on Cynthia, and one on a sycamore tree entwined with moonflowers. Light and shadow played across the scene.