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

was set with determination. After what you guys just said, honestly, if they tossed drink in your face. Id say they were

come on!” The crowd

her tone soft and

girls turned toward

and told them, “There’s some booze over there–use it however you want. If

don’t get carried away!” someone barked,

Jelasburg!” another sneered, trying

wreck your reputation with one word?” someone else threatened, voice

echoed through the

Rebecca, in perfect sync, flung their

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

told me before we 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 others

and the rest were practically

drink, looking at them with contempt. “If I just ignored people like you,

The crowd exploded, completely triggered

through the tension. “I’ll say it ten times

bold because Liam and Mr. Guzman spoil you,” they sneered, shifting tactics. “But let me tell you, the Guzman family will never recognize someone like you as one of their own. Old Mr.

him,

of that bothered her

14:31 Mon, Oct 6

Chapter 240

voice rang out, and Ryan strode

would’ve had no idea his precious daughter was being treated this

“Mr. Guzman?” someone stammered.

Guzman…” another voice

cocky just a second ago instantly shrank back, all their bravado

full of unhidden concern. “What did they say

as frosty and skeptical as Amelia’s was back

Ryan seemed genuinely uneasy, a rare look for

over the room as Ryan’s icy gaze landed on Elijah and the

was already an uphill battle, and now these people just had to

at him. “Mr. Guzman, you’re always playing it safe. I can’t bring myself to call you ‘Dad, and I definitely won’t admit you’re my father.” Her voice was colder than ever–if she had grievances with him before, after hearing all

Cynthia.

“They’re running their mouths saying Amelia ruined your engagement, secretly got pregnant to try and climb the ranks, and

assets…”

Ryan’s expression

expected people would stoop so low, dragging Amelia’s name through the mud like this when she

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

echoed quickly, scrambling to

hold it against us,” someone added

old pros at this–seeing Ryan rush to defend