From a Wrong Turn to Mr. Right novel Chapter 297

“Posting pictures like that in front of everyone? There’s definitely an agenda. Do you think she’s trying to stake her claim?”

“Maybe. She did have his son, after all. Wouldn’t put it past her. Poor bride, though. Having a scandal like this on her wedding day? She’ll never live it down.”

“True, but thank God the ceremony’s over. If this had happened earlier, the whole thing would’ve been ruined.”

The room buzzed with relentless chatter.

Some whispered with sympathy for Lavinia Bennett, some speculated about who was really behind it, and plenty were just there for the drama, watching it all unfold like a live episode of a reality show.

No one seemed capable of minding their own business—the reception hall was a mess of voices, clinking champagne glasses, and sideways glances over half-eaten wedding cake.

Mason Bennett was doing his best to keep a straight face, but his composure was cracking. His cheeks flushed red, then pale, then stormy, like a stoplight stuck on malfunction.

He was about to speak up when suddenly a voice cut through the noise with the sharpness of a snapped guitar string. “Enough! All of you, just shut up!”

Carmen Gates stood there, face drained of color, glaring at the crowd like an avenging angel who’d had one too many glasses of chardonnay. The last thread of her self-control had snapped. She looked wild, desperate.

“What on earth are you all babbling about?” she yelled, her voice trembling. “Shut up! Just shut up!”

The room fell silent for a split second, startled by her outburst. Then someone muttered, “Jeez, what’s her problem? Can’t we even talk?”

“Keep it down,” another whispered. “It’s an ugly scandal. She must be embarrassed.”

“Not my problem,” someone else shrugged, popping another cocktail sausage in their mouth. “I’m just here for the open bar. If she’s gonna throw a fit, that’s on her.”

Carmen’s eyes flickered with something cold and dangerous.

Mason’s face was practically black with frustration. He looked at Carmen like she was the source of all his problems. “I told you, it’s all lies—someone’s trying to set me up! We need to finish the reception. The more you make a scene, the worse it looks for everyone.”

“Oh, so now it’s my fault?” Carmen shot back. “Maybe I would be quiet if they weren’t all spitting venom. Every word is like a knife.”

Mason groaned and glanced around for help. His gaze landed on Daniel Gill. “Daniel, take your mother upstairs and help her cool off.”

Daniel, usually as calm as a placid lake, let a flicker of worry cross his face. He walked up to Carmen, voice gentle. “Come on, Mom. Let’s go. Maybe it’s all just a misunderstanding. Even if it isn’t, now isn’t the time. This is Lavinia’s wedding, remember? Try to think of her.”

At the mention of Lavinia, Carmen hesitated.

She turned to look at Lavinia Bennett, standing by herself in her white dress, clutching a handful of tulle so tightly her knuckles were white, her face as pale as the wedding cake.

The room held its breath, waiting to see what she’d do next.