A Bitter Groom's Mother Rips Her New Bride's Cheap Dress

The tension inside the estate reached a boiling point as guests began taking their seats in the main sanctuary. Julian tried to push his mother toward the hallway, hoping to prevent a public scene before the ceremony started, but Margarethe was far too furious to listen. She felt her family pride was being destroyed by this poor orphan standing in front of her son.

Julian: Mother, leave this room right now before I have security remove you.

Margarethe: You would choose this nobody over your own flesh and blood?

Hannah: Please, Mrs. Vance, I love Julian. I don't care about your money.

Margarethe: Keep your lying mouth shut!

In a flash of blinding rage, Margarethe lunged forward past her son's outstretched arm. Her heavily ringed fingers grabbed the delicate neckline of Hannah's handmade dress from behind. With a violent jerk, she pulled downward with all her weight, tearing the custom white fabric completely open across the bride's back and shoulder.

The loud, jarring sound of ripping cloth filled the room, followed immediately by the sharp clatter of something heavy hitting the floor. The thin silver chain around Hannah's neck snapped instantly under the sudden force. The small green jade pendant tumbled across the shiny white surface, bouncing twice before coming to a stop directly at Margarethe's designer shoes.

Margarethe: Take off this cheap dress right now!

Hannah gasped, covering her bare skin as tears flooded her eyes. She stumbled sideways, grabbing the edge of the vanity table to keep from falling to the floor. Julian slammed his hand against his mother's arm, pushing her back with force as he stepped over the ruined fabric to shield his crying bride.

Julian: Mother, what are you doing?! Have you completely lost your mind?!

Margarethe opened her mouth to yell back, but her eyes suddenly caught the rich green shimmer on the white floor. The violent expression on her face froze entirely, turning into a mask of pure shock and horror. Her breath hitched in her throat, a sharp dramatic gasp echoing in the quiet room.

Margarethe: No... it can't be!

She dropped her designer purse onto the floor without noticing, staring at the polished jade stone with wide, terrified eyes. The jade was carved into a distinct dragon shape with a tiny crack near the top edge, a design that was completely unique. It was an priceless heirloom that had been missing for over twenty-three long years.

Julian looked down at his mother, confused by her sudden silence and the absolute terror in her pale face. Hannah was sobbing against his chest, her shoulders shaking violently from the embarrassment and fear. But Margarethe didn't seem to hear anything around her anymore; her entire focus was locked on the small green object lying between them.