Chapter 12 The Calm Before The Scandal

The Grand Astoria Hotel ballroom was filled with invited guests.

Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in warm light while a live orchestra continued to play, trying to mask the awkward silence that had begun to settle over the venue.

The time printed on the invitations had already passed.

Yet the groom was nowhere to be seen.

In the front row, Vivian maintained her elegant smile, although she glanced at her wristwatch several times.

Beside her, Billy stood with his phone in hand, checking the screen every few moments.

Not far away, Teressa's mother finally approached them with a worried expression. "Vivian," she called softly. "Hasn't Revan arrived yet?"

Vivian immediately forced a faint smile. "He's probably just running a little late."

"It's already been almost thirty minutes."

Billy quickly stepped in. "I'll give him a call, Aunt."

He pulled out his phone and tapped Revan's name. The phone rang. No answer.

Billy called again. The result was the same.

Teressa's mother was beginning to look anxious. "Teressa has been ready for quite a while."

Vivian nodded slowly. "Don't tell her anything yet."

"What if she asks?"

"Just tell her the ceremony has been delayed a little."

Teressa's father walked over. "He still hasn't arrived?"

Billy shook his head. "No, Uncle."

"Have you called him?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"He isn't answering," Billy replied, his irritation beginning to show.

Teressa's father frowned. "Call his assistant."

"Yes, Uncle." Billy immediately searched for Aston's name. The call went through. It rang. Still no answer.

Vivian's patience began to wear thin. "Try again."

Billy did.

There was still no response.

On the other side of the ballroom, whispers had begun to spread among the guests.

"Why hasn't it started yet?"

"Is the groom late?"

"This is strange."

The master of ceremonies stepped back onto the stage, doing his best to reassure the crowd. "Distinguished guests, we kindly ask for your patience. The ceremony will begin shortly."

Another hour passed.

The atmosphere became increasingly uncomfortable.

Teressa's mother paced back and forth several times before finally speaking in a low voice. "I can't keep lying to Teressa."

Vivian let out a slow breath. "Wait a little longer."

On the second floor of the same hotel.

Far from the crowded ballroom.

Revan stood calmly on a private VIP balcony overlooking the ballroom through a massive glass wall.

From there, he had a perfect view of everything below.

The restless guests. The MC stalling for time. Vivian repeatedly checking her watch. Billy pacing back and forth with his phone clutched tightly in his hand.

Revan watched them all with an indifferent expression.

He slowly swirled the red wine in his glass. Then a soft vibration came from his pocket. He took out his phone. The screen displayed one name.

Billy.

The corner of Revan's mouth lifted slightly. Without hesitation, he locked the screen and placed the phone on the nearby table.

He let the call ring until it stopped on its own.

Standing beside him, Aston glanced at the screen. "Sir, that's the seventh call from Mr. Billy."

Revan took another sip of wine. "Hm."

Before he could put the phone away again, it vibrated once more. This time, the caller was...

Vivian.

Revan didn't even bother looking down. A faint smile appeared on his face. "It seems Vivian is starting to panic."

Aston smiled as well. "Not just her." He held up the tablet in his hand. "Our team reports that the ballroom is becoming chaotic. The guests are beginning to ask questions."

Revan lowered his gaze toward the ballroom below, where Billy was speaking with the wedding staff. "It's still too soon," he murmured.

Aston nodded. "I understand, Sir."

Revan slipped his phone back into his pocket. "They're still able to smile."

His eyes remained fixed on the ballroom. "I want to see exactly when those smiles disappear."

Back in the ballroom.

Billy let out an irritated sigh after another unanswered call. "Damn it..."

Vivian immediately walked over. "How?"

Billy shook his head. "He won't answer, Mom."

"Again?"

Billy nodded. "Even Aston isn't answering."

Vivian slowly clenched her fists. "Where are they?"

Not far away, Teressa's mother, having run out of reassuring words for her daughter, approached them once more with a worried face. "Billy," she said quietly. "Teressa keeps asking why she hasn't been called yet."

Billy rubbed his face. "Just tell her the ceremony has been delayed a little."

"I've been saying that for almost an hour."

Billy had no response.

"She's starting to get suspicious," Teressa's mother added.

Before Billy could answer, the ballroom doors slowly opened.

Everyone instinctively turned toward the entrance.

Teressa stood in the doorway, wearing her wedding gown to perfection. Her eyes immediately searched for one person.

But, Revan was not there.

She hurried over to Billy. "What's really going on?" she asked, trying to stay calm.

Billy forced a smile. "Nothing's wrong."

"Don't lie to me."

"I'm not..."

"If nothing's wrong, then why haven't I been called yet?" Teressa cut him off. "Where's Revan?"

Billy fell silent for a moment. "He... hasn't arrived."

The color drained from Teressa's face. "What?"

"We haven't been able to reach him either."

"That's impossible."

"We've tried calling him over and over."

Teressa shook her head. "No... something has to be wrong." She quickly took out her own phone. "Revan will answer my call."

She tapped his name and dialed.

Everyone watched.

The call went unanswered before disconnecting.

Teressa tried again. The same result. Panic began to spread across her face. "How about Aston?"

Billy quickly shook his head. "I've already called him."

"And?"

"No answer."

"Call again!"

Billy dialed Aston repeatedly, but every call went unanswered.

Vivian was losing what little patience she had left. "What on earth is that boy doing?"

Around them, the guests' whispers grew even louder.

"Did the groom run away?"

"How embarrassing."

"I feel sorry for the bride."

"So even the Sterling family can end up like this."

Teressa's father rubbed his temples. "MC," he called in a choked voice.

"Yes, Sir?"

"Keep stalling."

"Understood." The MC stepped onto the stage once more. "Distinguished guests, we sincerely apologize for this delay..."

Unfortunately, before he could finish speaking, every light in the ballroom suddenly went out.

Small screams immediately erupted throughout the room.