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

said, honestly, if they tossed drink in your face. Id say

come on!” The crowd immediately

Cynthia called, her tone soft and

turned toward

told them, “There’s some booze over there–use it however you want. If things get messy, I’ll back you

away!” someone barked,

Jelasburg!” another sneered, trying to

can’t wreck your reputation with one word?” someone else threatened, voice dripping

splashes echoed

flung their drinks straight at

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

my time. Most of you are just her old rivals who couldn’t beat her, so you get your

and the rest were practically

contempt. “If I just ignored people

more time!” The crowd exploded, completely

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

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

him,

of that bothered her

14:31 Mon, Oct 6

Chapter 240

voice rang out, and Ryan

had no idea his precious daughter was being treated

“Mr. Guzman?” someone stammered.

Guzman…” another voice trailed off,

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

heading straight for Rebecca, his eyes full

back, her voice as frosty and

seemed genuinely uneasy, a rare look for

room as Ryan’s icy gaze landed on

back his wife and daughter was already an uphill battle, and

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

to Cynthia.

mouths saying Amelia ruined your engagement, secretly got pregnant to

assets…”

each accusation, Ryan’s expression

would stoop so low, dragging Amelia’s name through

gossip, seriously—we didn’t make anything up!” someone blurted, desperate to sound

that’s right!” they echoed

us,” someone added hastily, trying to smooth things

Ryan rush to defend Rebecca, they immediately pivoted, tweaking their tune and