After the divorce, he begged

Chapter 240

AGD

“She’s just a kid—speaks her mind, doesn’t know when to hold back. Don’t take it personally, Cynthia, Jessica’s mom and the head of a big public company, spoke with practiced diplomacy. “But to be honest, what you said wasn’t exactly proper either.”

“What’s wrong with that?” someone shot back.

“We’re just stating the facts here,” another person retorted, not backing down.

“Everyone saw how Amelia used Ryan’s help to grab the Quinn family shares, all while stirring up trouble in his personal life.” someone added, their tone sharp.

“How about we call Mr. Guzman here and see what he has to say?” Cynthia said in the calmest tone, though everyone could sense the threat hiding beneath her words.

Everyone’s expressions shifted a little at that.

Not many people really knew what was up between Amelia and Ryan. Most folks just picked things up from gossip or random rumors.

Honestly, nobody could say for sure if Ryan had feelings for Amelia. ‘If he did, why would he ghost her out of nowhere?‘ people wondered quietly. ‘But if he didn’t care, what’s with him treating Rebecca so well lately?‘

“Whatever you say, I know for a fact that Amelia was still involved with Mr. Guzman when he got engaged to someone from the Jordan Family,” someone pressed on.

“Trust me, I saw the whole thing with my own eyes,” another person jumped in, sounding sure of themselves.

“And she got pregnant out of wedlock–totally shameless,” someone sneered.

“Bet she thought having a kid would help her lock down Mr. Guzman and move up in the world, but he didn’t fall for it,” another person scoffed.

“Exactly!” someone else chimed in.

“Wow, looks like you all got older but didn’t get any smarter,” Jessica shot back, her tone sharper than usual. She almost never snapped, but she wasn’t backing down now. “Funny how you don’t say a word when Ryan’s sleeping around and can’t control himself, but you’re quick to point fingers at Amelia?”

Cynthia glanced at her but didn’t stop her.

When it came to sticking up for her friends, Cynthia always let her daughter say what was on her mind. She never interfered.

“Cynthia, is this what passes for parenting in your house?” Elijah Zane, his beefy face twisted with obvious disdain, stepped forward from the crowd.

Cynthia shot him a look and answered, her voice as flat as ever, “Yep.”

14:31 Mon, Oct 6

Chapter 240

“We’re supposed to be the where here, and this is hose the talks to us? Elijah sorted, then gave Paberra a cold glare. “And her? Figure che’s Amelia’s kid no manners, hus like her moth.”

Rebecca’s fingers costled into a fist, but before she could say a word, Cynthia cut in

what you guys just said, honestly, if they tossed drink in your face. Id

The crowd immediately

her tone

turned toward

at the nearby drinks and told them, “There’s some booze over there–use it however you

away!” someone barked, obviously ticked

not Jelasburg!” another sneered,

your reputation with one word?”

echoed

in perfect sync, flung their

Zane’s hand shook as he pointed at Rebecca, completely stunned–he hadn’t thought she’d really

came that anyone trash–talking her at these parties isn’t even worth my time. Most of you are just her old rivals who couldn’t beat her, so you get your kicks by gossiping and dragging

the rest were practically

at them with contempt. “If I just ignored people like you, you’d never realize how

crowd exploded, completely triggered by her

tension. “I’ll say it ten times if I have to–same answer

you, the Guzman family will never recognize someone like you as one of their own. Old Mr. Lawrence would never let Amelia’s

at him, her

none of that bothered

14:31 Mon, Oct 6

Chapter 240

rang out, and Ryan strode over, his face dark

would’ve had no

“Mr. Guzman?” someone stammered.

voice trailed off, suddenly

cocky just a second ago

full of unhidden concern. “What did they say to you? Dad’s

shot back, her voice as frosty and skeptical as

Ryan seemed genuinely uneasy,

over the room as Ryan’s icy gaze landed on Elijah and the others–one by

uphill battle, and now these people just

and I definitely won’t admit you’re my father.”

Cynthia. “What’s

glanced at Rebecca, then spelled it out clearly. “They’re running their mouths saying Amelia ruined your engagement, secretly

assets…”

each accusation, Ryan’s expression grew more

expected people would stoop so low, dragging Amelia’s name through

just passing on the gossip, seriously—we didn’t make anything up!” someone

right, that’s right!” they echoed

hold it against us,” someone added hastily, trying to

this–seeing Ryan rush to defend Rebecca, they immediately pivoted, tweaking