Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband?

Chapter 574

Guests mingled and wandered across the lawn.

Although social media was in a frenzy-stories trending, rumors flying-the engagement party itself remained calm, at least on the surface. As Mila and Forrest made their rounds, raising glasses with guests, all they heard were warm congratulations and cheerful wishes.

Everyone here knew how to play the game.

No one would choose this moment to stir up trouble.

Still, plenty of curious eyes followed Mila and Forrest as they toasted with Conrad. The three of them chatted and laughed so easily, you'd almost believe they were on the best of terms-if not for those headlines everyone had just seen.

When Conrad arrived with his wife to congratulate his former daughter-in-law, some wondered if all the talk about a family feud had been exaggerated.

But now, no one doubted anymore.

With members of the Montgomery family present, Mila had gone public, using the media to announce her withdrawal from Montgomery Holdings. She hadn't even fully stepped down yet. It was a clear, decisive break.

And yet Conrad's appearance at the party left everyone puzzled.

After all, many in attendance had been speculating-thanks to the persistent rumors—that the Montgomery family just couldn't stomach Mila holding the reins. How could an outsider end up with so much power over the family's legacy? Sure, it was Lysander's will that had left her in charge, but the man was gone, and wills —even the most ironclad-rarely outlast the living's ambitions. Who in their right mind would let an outsider control so much wealth and influence? What if she decided to remarry, taking the assets and power out of the family? That was the fear most people had when Lysander's will was first made public.

Some had come tonight just to see the Montgomerys' misfortune.

money. Instead, she stood on that stage, bearing the weight of the moment, and held Montgomery Holdings together through its most

She hadn't betrayed them.

for a scandal were

had changed. In barely a year, just as Mila was building her own team

one in the elite circle was

more like

had finally had enough, and were finding ways to edge Mila out-splitting her power, removing her from the company's core. It was nothing new;

guests watched Conrad, smiling and chatting amiably with Mila, a strange realization crept in-maybe it wasn't the Montgomery family pushing Mila out. Maybe it was Mila who was determined to leave

She'd made it final.

too far for Conrad not to know what Mila intended. He had to realize he

Mila who had let

Was she crazy?

was the thought running

inherited from the will would never compare to the benefits of staying tied to the company-especially

yet she was

in their right mind would turn their back on

Jade, the influential figure overseas. Maybe Mila was never short on resources or ability. She'd always been

and smiling at Mila's side. They understood: Mila's taste in