Chapter 49: Unexpected Appearances

Emerald’s POV

Mother’s voice was cold enough to silence the reporter for a moment.

She stood there with her eyes fixed on the woman, while the bodyguards maintained their positions between us and the rest of the reporters.

The woman lowered her microphone slightly. "I was only asking a question, Mrs. Hugo."

"That wasn’t a question." Mother’s tone remained calm. "You accused my daughter of sleeping around for business deals."

The reporter opened her mouth. "I—"

Mother interrupted. "Do you have proof?"

The woman hesitated. Mother gave a short, humourless smile. "That’s what I thought." Then she turned towards two of the bodyguards. "Take her."

The reporter’s eyes widened. "What?"

"You heard me." Mother pointed towards her. "Hand her over to the police for causing a nuisance at a private wedding."

The woman immediately became agitated. "You can’t do that!"

Mother didn’t even look at her again. "Check whether her name is on the approved media list."

One of the bodyguards nodded. "Ma’am, and if she isn’t?"

"Then find out how she got in." Mother’s gaze hardened. "If she violated the attendance rules and deliberately ignored the questions permitted for the media, our lawyers can deal with that as well."

She finally looked back at the reporter. "Have her sued if necessary."

The woman’s face changed immediately. "Mrs. Hugo, wait—"

But the bodyguards were already moving. One took hold of her arm while the other stepped in beside him.

The surrounding reporters suddenly fell quiet. Nobody seemed interested in testing Mother after that.

I stood there without saying anything. I had never been particularly fond of Mother’s methods. But this time, I couldn’t deny that I was relieved she had intervened.

One of the security personnel approached Father and quietly said something to him. He nodded. "Let’s go inside."

Mother turned towards us, and the bodyguards immediately created a wider path.

I walked beside my parents, with Claire and Laura following close behind.

The cameras continued flashing from behind us, but none of the reporters dared push forward again.

I didn’t look back either.

---

The church was already filled with guests.

The moment we stepped through the entrance, several people turned in our direction.

I could instantly recognise some of the faces: business executives, politicians, actors, socialites, and members of several prominent families. It was exactly the kind of gathering I had expected from a Hugo wedding.

My parents continued ahead while Claire, Laura and I remained together. We were directed towards our seats, and the three of us sat together.

Laura leaned closer to me. "Your mother is terrifying."

I glanced at her. She was struggling to keep a straight face, then giggled softly. "With a mother like yours, to hell with your enemies."

Claire nodded. "Exactly."

I shook my head. "Please behave."

Laura covered her mouth to suppress another laugh. "I’m behaving."

I narrowed my eyes at her. "You just threatened my enemies with my mother."

"I said to hell with them." She emphasised.

Claire laughed quietly. I couldn’t help smiling either.

The atmosphere inside the church was considerably calmer than outside. The soft music playing in the background made the room feel peaceful.

I sat back briefly, taking in my surroundings. Suddenly, Laura stiffened beside me. I followed her gaze, and my expression changed instantly.

Kelvin and Maya. They were seated several rows ahead.

For a moment, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Claire noticed them too and leaned in.

"How did those shameless idiots get invited to this wedding?" Laura’s voice was barely above a whisper.

I glanced towards them again. Kelvin was speaking to someone beside him while Maya sat comfortably next to him.

They appeared to fit in seamlessly. But they didn’t. Not to me.

Claire shook her head. "It seems those two actually managed to find a way to be here. The Hugo family can’t possibly have made the mistake of inviting them."

I quietly agreed. "They probably found another way." Then I turned my attention away. I wasn’t interested in how they had managed it.

Laura still looked irritated. "I can’t believe this."

I snapped my head to her. "Laura."

"I know." She folded her arms. "I’m quiet." Claire gave her a sideways look, and she added, "For now."

I smiled faintly then looked towards the front of the church. Vera had not yet entered, so the guests continued settling into their seats as the music gradually changed.

A few minutes later, everyone began turning towards the entrance. The wedding procession was beginning.

The doors swung open, and music flooded the church. Vera stepped inside, looking every bit the bride—graceful, poised, and confident. The gown suited her, and every detail had clearly been selected with care.

She walked down the aisle with her father beside her. I watched quietly. Whatever our relationship was, today belonged to her. I wasn’t going to allow old disagreements to make me forget that.

Uncle Dante eventually handed her over, and Vera took her place beside her groom.

The ceremony began.

I listened quietly, my hands resting in my lap. Claire and Laura were equally attentive now. The earlier incident outside seemed far away.

For the next few minutes, there was nothing else to think about. Then I heard movement behind us.

At first, I paid no attention. Someone was taking a seat. There were dozens of guests entering the church. It meant nothing until a familiar voice reached my ears.

"Good morning."

My attention shifted. I turned slightly, then froze. Michael King stood a short distance behind us.

I paused for a moment, simply staring. He was dressed quite differently from his usual appearance at Larnard.

There was nothing about his appearance that suggested the professor who stood in front of our classroom with a stack of lecture notes. He looked completely at ease among the guests.

My mind immediately returned to last night’s phone call. ’See you tomorrow.’ My eyes widened a bit. He wasn’t mistaken; he absolutely meant what he said.

I looked at him again. Professor King was actually here. At my cousin’s wedding.

How?

Why?

I didn’t even realise that I had been staring until his eyes met mine. He gave me a small, polite nod.

I returned it and quickly faced forward again. My heart was beating slightly faster than before.

I didn’t understand why. I had already spoken to him several times, even spending more than an hour talking to him at the café. So why did seeing him here feel so unexpected?

I kept my attention on the ceremony, but the questions wouldn’t leave my mind.

What is Professor King doing at my cousin’s wedding?

And more importantly...

How does he know my family?