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

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

on!” The crowd immediately started

Cynthia called, her tone

girls turned toward

quick glance at the nearby drinks and told them, “There’s some booze over there–use it however you want. If things get messy, I’ll

Scott, don’t get carried away!” someone barked, obviously ticked

Jelasburg!” another sneered,

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

splashes echoed through the

sync, flung their drinks

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

her at these parties isn’t even worth my time. Most of you are

Elijah and the rest were

you know what?” Rebecca grabbed another drink, looking at them with contempt. “If

one more time!” The crowd exploded,

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

the Guzman family will never recognize someone like you as one of their own. Old Mr. Lawrence

at him, her

of that bothered

14:31 Mon, Oct 6

Chapter 240

bastard?” A calm, icy voice rang out,

nobody had tipped him off, Ryan would’ve had no

“Mr. Guzman?” someone stammered.

voice trailed

that had been so cocky just a second

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

voice as frosty

a moment, Ryan seemed genuinely uneasy, a

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

was already an uphill battle, and now

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

turned to Cynthia.

it out clearly. “They’re running their mouths saying Amelia ruined your engagement, secretly got pregnant to try and climb

assets…”

Ryan’s expression grew

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

didn’t make anything up!” someone

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

us,” someone added hastily, trying to smooth

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