
Claimed By The Husband's Ruthless Uncle
Claimed By The Husband's Ruthless Uncle Chapter 1
The grandfather clock in the hallway struck midnight. The heavy, rhythmic chimes echoed through the cavernous bridal suite of Maxwell Manor. Diana Atkins sat frozen on the edge of the massive four-poster bed. The cold silk sheets seeped through the layers of her elaborate white wedding gown, chilling her skin. She had been sitting in the exact same position for three hours. A hard, cold knot formed in the pit of her stomach, making every breath feel shallow and forced.
A sharp click of the door handle made her heart slam against her ribs. Diana scrambled to her feet, her fingers instinctively clutching the heavy tulle of her skirt.
The heavy oak door swung open. A man leaned against the doorframe. He was undeniably handsome, but his lips were twisted into a cruel, mocking smirk. This was Julian Maxwell. The man she had just sworn her life to.
A heavy wave of stale whiskey and cloying, unfamiliar floral perfume rolled off him and hit Diana in the face. The scent felt like a physical slap. Her lungs burned as she inhaled.
Julian pushed off the doorframe and stepped into the room. His eyes dragged over her, moving from the diamond tiara in her hair down to her satin shoes. It was the look of a man inspecting a damaged piece of merchandise.
"So, you are the replacement," Julian said. His voice was flat and entirely devoid of warmth. "Janessa Walsh had better taste, at least in running away."
The blood drained from Diana's face. Her fingertips turned ice-cold. She forced her spine to straighten, digging her nails into her palms to keep her hands from shaking. She had to remember her father's threats. She had to remember the failing Atkins Industries