Chapter 606

A triumphant smile played across Rosalind's lips as she stood beside Everett at the altar once more.

The minister turned to Everett with solemn dignity. "Mr. Sinclair, do you take Ms. Blackwood to be your lawfully wedded wife, to cherish through all circumstances life may bring, until death parts you?"

Everett's response came without hesitation. "I do."

Each word struck Genevieve like physical blows. The world seemed to dissolve around her, leaving only the echo of those two devastating syllables.

Julian's cruel whisper cut through her daze. "Open your eyes, Rosalind. He's marrying Genevieve. You were always just a delusional fool chasing after someone who never cared. All that devotion wasted on empty promises."

Tears streamed down Genevieve's face as the minister continued, "By the authority vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may exchange rings."

A young attendant presented two platinum bands glittering with diamonds. Genevieve carefully slid the ring onto Everett's finger, her hands trembling slightly. Everett mirrored the action with mechanical precision.

Reginald initiated the applause, prompting cheers from the gathered guests.

"A lifetime of joy to the happy couple!"

"May heaven bless this union!"

Genevieve felt euphoric as she threw her arms around Everett in their first embrace as husband and wife.

Outside the chapel, Rosalind watched the intimate moment through blurred vision. Something inside her fractured irreparably. Turning mechanically, she walked away from the scene without looking back.

She was done.

Julian matched her stride. "Finally accepting reality? He's married now. Time to move on. I may have betrayed you with Arabella, but people change. Now that Everett's out of the picture, give me another chance. I'll treat you right."

Rosalind's knees buckled suddenly, her consciousness slipping away before she hit the ground.

Julian caught her limp form. "Rosalind! What's wrong?"

Meanwhile, Everett and Genevieve emerged from the ceremony.

Reginald clapped Everett on the shoulder. "Welcome to the family, son. I expect you'll take excellent care of my daughter."

Everett forced a tight smile. "Of course, Mr. Blackwood."

Genevieve giggled. "He's your father-in-law now, darling. You should call him Reginald."

"Reginald," Everett corrected stiffly.

The older man nodded approvingly. "Excellent. Now, shall we proceed to your other request?"

Everett's pulse quickened. "The meeting with Shadow?"

Reginald gestured toward a secluded cabin. "Follow me."

He led Everett to the hidden structure and knocked in a distinct pattern. "Shadow, it's me."

At the name, Everett's blood surged with anticipation.

The door opened to reveal two armed guards. "Mr. Blackwood. And this must be your new son-in-law."

"Indeed. This is Everett Sinclair. He's here to meet Shadow."

"Standard procedure first." The guards began patting them down thoroughly before nodding. "Clean. Proceed inside."

The dim interior revealed several more armed men standing at attention.

In the center sat Shadow - his face marked by a jagged scar that lent him a terrifying presence.