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

face was set with determination. After what you guys just said, honestly, if

The crowd immediately

Cynthia called, her tone soft and

girls turned

and told them, “There’s some booze

get carried away!” someone barked, obviously

forgot, this is Honnala, not Jelasburg!” another sneered, trying to put her in

reputation with one word?”

splashes echoed through the

in perfect sync, flung their drinks

completely stunned–he

voice was cold as ice. “Mom 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

rest were practically bursting

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

crowd exploded, completely triggered

icy, her voice cutting through the tension. “I’ll say it ten times if I

shifting tactics. “But let me tell you, the Guzman family will

him,

of that bothered her at

14:31 Mon, Oct 6

Chapter 240

you calling a bastard?” A calm, icy voice rang out, and Ryan strode over,

no idea his precious daughter was being treated this

“Mr. Guzman?” someone stammered.

another voice trailed

that had been so cocky just a second ago instantly shrank back,

cold look before heading straight for Rebecca, his eyes full of unhidden concern. “What did they say to you?

frosty and skeptical as Amelia’s

seemed genuinely uneasy, a rare look

as Ryan’s icy gaze landed on Elijah

was already an uphill battle, and now these people

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

Cynthia. “What’s

then spelled it out clearly. “They’re running their mouths saying Amelia ruined your engagement, secretly got pregnant to try and climb the ranks, and used you to snatch the

assets…”

each accusation, Ryan’s expression

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

didn’t make anything up!” someone blurted, desperate

right, that’s right!” they echoed quickly, scrambling

sir, don’t hold it against us,” someone added hastily, trying

old pros at this–seeing Ryan rush to defend Rebecca, they immediately pivoted, tweaking their tune and