The moment the call connected, he was greeted by a cacophony of noise.
Joey seemed to be in the middle of a heated argument, his tone furious and exasperated.
“What’s going on?” Charles demanded.
“Have you found Gigi? The news says she’s getting married today! She didn’t inform the family, and now she’s blocked me.”
Having also been blocked by Margot, Joey stood outside the hotel, locked in a heated argument with security, trying to force his
way into the wedding venue.
His tie hung loose, and frustration etched deep lines between his brows.
“Yes, it’s today,” he snapped, his tone bitter.
“She’s still angry with us and didn’t plan to invite any of you. She even said she wants to cut ties altogether.”
If Joey’s tone hadn’t been so sharp, Charles might have thought he was joking.
Sever ties with them?
Impossible.
They shared the same blood and had showered her with love for over twenty years.
Now that she was getting married, she wanted nothing to do with them? What kind of nonsense was that?
1/2
+15 BONUS
Chapter 21
‘Anger surged within Charles.
Without hesitation, he booked four plane tickets and brought the entire family to Northwatch to confront her.
When they arrived at the venue, they found Joey still stuck outside, his face bearing fresh bruises.
The sight of him battered only darkened the already stormy expressions of the Johansons.
Stern and unyielding, Fred stepped forward and addressed the security guards with an air of authority.
“We’re the bride’s family. Let us through immediately!”
The security guards exchanged glances, sizing them up before repeating the instructions they had received the day before.
“Mr. Dominic stated that all wedding guests must present invitations to gain entry. Please show your invitations.”
The Johansons, of course, had no such invitations.
Seeing how inflexible the security guards were, Charles grew even angrier.
“Call Margot out right now! Let’s see if she dares deny her parents, brother, and sister–in–law! And while you’re at it, bring out
the Stewarts too!
“A wedding is such a major event–how could they not invite the bride’s family? What nonsense is this?”
Maisie, who had come along primarily to mock Margot, chimed in with feigned indignation.
“She’s still the Johanson’s daughter, yet she treats her own family like this? Such ingratitude!”
Joey, whose voice had grown hoarse after hours of arguing, felt a flicker of displeasure at her remark and cast her an angry glance.
The security guards, unsure of the group’s identities but unwilling to escalate the situation, opted for a calmer approach.
“It doesn’t matter who you are, without an invitation, you can’t enter. Besides, the wedding and banquet are nearly over–it’s already late afternoon.
“The bride and groom might have even left by now. If you’re truly the bride’s family, why not contact her directly?”
Only then did the group notice it was already 3 p.m.
Acknowledging the sense in the guards‘ words, the five of them begrudgingly left the hotel.
But instead of giving up, they decided to head straight to the Stewarts‘ family estate.
