Julian collapsed forward onto the polished white marble floor, groaning in sheer agony as he clutched his broken jaw. He coughed violently, spitting a mixture of saliva and blood onto the pristine white tiles right beside Victoria’s bridal train. The surrounding guests recoiled in absolute terror and excitement, several springing up from their seats as the high-stakes confrontation threatened to turn into total chaos. Julian looked up from the floor with terrified, wide eyes, his smug demeanor completely obliterated as he realized the powerful dynasty he had attempted to intimidate was ready to destroy him entirely.
Lord Harrington stood over the fallen groom, his chest heaving as he prepared to deliver another strike to ensure Julian never rose again. He raised his fist once more, determined to pull his daughter away from the alter and burn every single contract associated with Julian's family business to the ground. The crowd held its breath, expecting the silver-haired tycoon to call off the ceremony and drag the groom out in handcuffs before the press cameras outside could capture any more details of the scandal.
Suddenly, a soft yet remarkably steady hand reached out and rested gently on Lord Harrington’s arm, stopping him in his tracks. The father turned, his furious expression softening into deep concern as he looked at his injured daughter. Victoria stood tall beside him, pulling back her veil entirely to reveal her bruised face and split lip. Yet, despite the visible physical trauma, her blue eyes were no longer filled with fear or tears. Instead, they radiated a cold, calculating, and lethal determination that startled even her own father.