The young man quickly thanked him and left.
Nick glared at his father, "What do you mean? You're not the one who got bitten. Are you not even heartbroken?"
"How could I not be heartbroken? But we need to stay calm—"
Richard lowered his voice, "That bastard and his dog deserve to die, but we can't confront them head-on. Leave it to me. I'll make sure he pays."
The next morning, the sun shone brightly, a rare clear day.
With winter gone and spring arriving, the grass and trees grew greener, and the entire city buzzed with vitality.
People's smiles were brighter, as if everything had a fresh start.
For the Royal Pack, today was such a day of hope—the grand wedding of Blake and Catherine.
The wedding caused a sensation across the city, watched by all.
Early in the morning, at Patricia's request, the manor had been thoroughly transformed.
White ribbons and golden fairy lights hung from the lampposts. By day, the delicate decorations sparkled in the sunlight, exuding an elegant and festive atmosphere.
On the wedding day, following tradition, the bride and groom did not meet before the ceremony.
So, Catherine moved to Halsey's newly purchased villa the night before.
The twins were originally supposed to stay with their mother but were called back to the manor by Patricia—they had an important mission today—to serve as flower kids in their parents' wedding.
Abigail was in charge of the children's attire.
She braided Hedwig's hair into two cute pigtails, adorned with fresh flowers and a delicate diamond tiara.
The little girl twirled in front of the mirror, cupping her plump cheeks and grinning, "Granny, do I look like a princess from a fairy tale? Should Dad build me a castle?"
Abigail chuckled and squatted to tweak her nose. "You're already living in Dad's 'castle'—this entire manor is your home."
The little girl blinked her big eyes thoughtfully and nodded earnestly. "Okay, then I won't waste Dad's money! But where's my 'prince'?"
At that moment, Noah walked in wearing a well-fitted tailcoat.
As twins, he was already half a head taller than his sister, lanky, while Hedwig was like a chubby little ball—their genes had taken vastly different paths.
"Wow! You look so good today, like my little prince!" Hedwig twirled around Noah. "Your suit is just like Dad's!"
Noah was exasperated by his sister's adoring display. "Ready? Great-granny is waiting downstairs."
Abigail glanced at the time and urged, "Let's go downstairs. Don't keep her waiting."
As the trio descended, Hedwig, in her lace-trimmed princess dress, twirled with every step, her skirt billowing like a fairy-tale princess, instantly capturing everyone's attention.
Blake sat on the sofa, a smile tugging at his lips as he watched his children—his son had inherited his looks and personality, while his daughter, though resembling Catherine, was undeniably mischievous and adorable.
"Hedwig, come here and let me see," he said, opening his arms.
The little girl pounced into his embrace. "Daddy's super handsome today! Mommy's definitely going to fall for you again!"
Blake chuckled. "When has your mom not been charmed by me?"
Hedwig giggled and whispered in his ear, "Mom used to dislike you. You know that, right?"
Blake shook his head, amused. "That's over now. I'll make sure she likes me more and more."
"We'll see about that, Dad!" Hedwig said, hands on her hips like a little adult.
At the manor, wedding preparations were in their final stages.
Blake, dressed in a formal black suit, clean-shaven and striking, exuded an innate aristocratic aura.
Patricia, along with Abigail and the children, headed to the banquet hall first, while Blake, with his groomsmen, readied to welcome the bride.
The four groomsmen he'd invited—Laurence brothers, Howard, and his brother Leo—arrived one after another.
Though not many, each was a cream of the crop, their sharp-dressed lineup drawing admiring glances from the staff.
In the dining room, the five men sat around the table enjoying breakfast.
"Thanks for coming early, everyone. Dig in," Blake said warmly.
Leo drawled, "No need for formalities. When have we ever been formal with you?"
Howard chimed in, "Right, formality feels strange among us."
The Laurence brothers didn't speak but dug in without restraint.
Blake tried to lighten the mood. "After my wedding toast, Benjamin's next."
Benjamin feigned sorrow. "By the time I get married, I'll have lost a groomsman—should've tied the knot before you."
Cedrick patted Benjamin's shoulder. "No worries, I will find you the perfect match."
Leo seized the chance to tease, "Why is everyone else's brother so doting? Am I just unlucky?"
Blake shot him a look. "Aren't I doting enough on you?"
Howard exaggeratedly rubbed his arms. "Hey, what about me? As the only one without a brother, I'm feeling the pressure!"