novelraw Chapter 188: Father and Son Rip Each Other Apart
Chapter 188: Father and Son Rip Each Other Apart
Some words went unsaid, but their intimidating purpose had already been achieved.
Once the toasts were finished, the groomsmen returned to their seats. While guests at most tables were reveling, the few that had been on the receiving end of Silas Norwood and Kian Sterling’s barbs were eerily quiet. They ate and drank in silence, and no one dared to speak. They even went to the restroom in groups, taking the longest possible route to get there.
They were like a pack of frightened mice.
Declan Norwood was the exception.
As the only one who had ever successfully seized power—and a very conspicuous one at that—he felt countless probing gazes on him even when he did nothing at all.
This continued until Silas Norwood, in full view of everyone, began handing out red envelopes to a large group of the family’s younger generation.
But when it came to Declan Norwood’s envelope, Silas Norwood gestured for Celia Sterling to give it to him.
"Th-Thank you, Auntie Celia." Declan’s hands trembled so much he couldn’t hold the red envelope steady. It fell three or four times. Each time he bent down to pick it up, he kept his head buried low, taking a long moment to compose himself.
"A marriage alliance between our families is a win-win situation. Starting tomorrow, Declan Norwood, as a young master of the Norwood family, will take over as CEO of the Solisian Region and Vice President of the headquarters." A faint, oppressive aura emanated from Silas Norwood as he looked at the gossips in the crowd. "After today, I ask that you all refrain from treating our families’ marriage alliance and the people involved as fodder for gossip."
After speaking, he glanced at Declan Norwood, who was clearly drowning his sorrows in alcohol, and gestured to Justin Norwood. "Take Declan to rest."
Justin Norwood and Mrs. Norwood didn’t dare delay for a second, leading Declan away from the wedding reception.
Only then did Silas Norwood look politely at the guests, who had put down their chopsticks to watch the drama unfold. "Please, everyone, continue."
The wedding reception was halfway through when Evan Rhodes emerged from the crowd, walked up to his boss, and whispered something in his ear.
A cold glint appeared in Kian Sterling’s eyes. "So," he said softly, "he still chose to court death."
He let out a soft, mocking laugh, then walked over to Silas Norwood and clinked their glasses. "Silas, my apologies. It seems I’ve done a poor job controlling my father. He might cause a little trouble for you..."
Silas Norwood had a bad feeling.
Kian Sterling met his gaze, his eyes dark. "No matter what happens next, protect Cece."
Silas Norwood was still pondering this, not yet having spoken, when a sudden commotion erupted at the entrance to the banquet hall.
The wedding guests all turned toward the source of the noise. They saw Franklin Sterling, flanked by a group of bodyguards and personnel carrying briefcases, barge into the banquet hall.
Two teams of bodyguards had been stationed at the cruise ship’s entrance, but Franklin Sterling had also brought a sizable force. The two sides had already faced off, and the incident was immediately reported to Evan Rhodes. However, there hadn’t been enough time for Kian Sterling to make any further arrangements.
"So many old friends are here. And yet I, the bride’s father, am the one who’s late." Franklin Sterling wore a refined, harmless smile, casually greeting a few wealthy friends he knew before his gaze landed on Silas Norwood. "My dear son-in-law, I wonder if there’s a seat for your father-in-law?"
Silas Norwood looked at him, his tone distant. "So it’s Uncle Sterling."
He casually pulled Celia Sterling protectively into his arms.
Celia Sterling looked bewildered. ’I knew Franklin Sterling was always up to something, but I never imagined he would suddenly show up at my wedding like this. My memories of him are almost exclusively from photographs. Growing up, my brother and I lived elsewhere and rarely saw our father. Even when we did, it was always during a heated confrontation between father and son. As the daughter, I might as well have been invisible.’
’Six years ago, Kian successfully seized power. Standing at the center of the boardroom, he had impassively banished Franklin Sterling from the country in front of the entire clan. Franklin’s expression had been savage, his furious, sinister gaze fixed on Kian and me, sheltered behind him. That was my last memory of my father.’
She looked up at Kian Sterling. His expression was frigid, yet he remained calm and composed. She had no idea how he would handle this absurd reunion.
"Cece, it’s me, Daddy. Don’t you recognize me?" Franklin Sterling’s gaze fell upon Celia Sterling again, scrutinizing the stunningly beautiful young woman. Her features and bone structure were flawless, but he couldn’t find a single trace of himself in her.
Celia Sterling didn’t speak, only pressing herself closer into Silas Norwood’s embrace.
Silas Norwood gently soothed her, whispering in her ear, "Cece, don’t be afraid."
Then, in a mild tone, he gave an order. "Prepare the reserved seats. Please show Uncle Sterling and the friends he brought to their table."
"What, am I only worthy of a reserved seat?" Franklin Sterling sighed softly. "My dear son-in-law, is it because you look down on my current status as a stray dog, or is it that you don’t consider me your father-in-law at all?"
He smiled. "Perhaps I’m really not. What do you think, son-in-law?"
Many people from the Sterling family were also in attendance today; basically all the board members were present.
"Franklin Sterling!" The one who spoke was a clan elder who was also a board member. "The marriage between the Sterlings and the Norwoods is a joyous occasion! What are you doing making trouble here? Do you think you’re in any position to mock Chairman Norwood?"
"Uncle, you don’t understand—" Franklin Sterling was about to argue when Silas Norwood’s cold voice cut in. "Uncle Sterling, I don’t care why you’re here today, but please do not disturb my wife’s and my wedding. If my reception is not to your liking, then please, rest in the adjacent hall. We can catch up properly after the banquet is over."
"An alliance? Is this really a marriage alliance between the Sterlings and the Norwoods? Or is it the Su—"
The next moment, the wine glass in Kian Sterling’s hand flew straight at Franklin Sterling’s face, cutting him off.
Kian Sterling nonchalantly wiped the red wine from his long fingers. "Evan, show our guests to the next room."
Kian Sterling had always been cautious and was never without his bodyguards. Because of the complex mix of people at the wedding, he had brought nearly every bodyguard he could mobilize. They were having their own banquet upstairs with the other families’ security details, and their numbers far exceeded the few men Franklin Sterling had with him.
The Chairman of the Norwood Group was getting married, and with the Norwood Family as the host, their security was just as strong as Kian Sterling’s, if not stronger. After Evan Rhodes acknowledged the order, more than twenty grim-faced senior bodyguards appeared instantly, subduing Franklin Sterling and everyone with him in a matter of seconds.
"You rebellious son! Are you going to commit patricide in front of all these people?!" Franklin Sterling’s face, struck squarely by the glass, was now bleeding and he was trembling, but he still struggled in fury.
Kian Sterling signaled for the bodyguards to gag Franklin Sterling first. His dangerously handsome face was set in a dominant expression. "Patricide? Why would I allow your blood to stain Cece’s wedding..."
Meanwhile, Silas Norwood’s eyes were just as frosty. He ordered his own bodyguards, "Work with Kade’s men and escort that group to the next room for some tea."
He paused, looking at the silent guests who were craning their necks to watch the show. His voice was cold.
"Let’s finish the wedding reception first."
The reception was already nearing its end. No one had the appetite to eat or drink anymore. They all quickly finished their meals, politely accepted their wedding favors, and then waited in unison.
They all knew perfectly well what they were waiting for.
But Silas Norwood had no intention of indulging these gawkers. "This is a family matter. Aside from those of the Sterling family, all other guests may please retire to their rooms to rest."
Clearly, he was determined not to let outsiders witness the farce.