A hint of anger flickered across Aurora’s charming face. She let out a cold laugh. “If I hadn’t come, I wouldn’t have known you were all badmouthing me. So, when did this start? Since you claim you’re not familiar with me?”

Gloria’s face froze. Her plan to remain on good terms with both sides had crumbled. She remained awkwardly silent.

The other women exchanged glances, quickly shaking their heads and offering placating reassurances. “No, Mrs. Chavez, definitely not! Why would we speak badly of you? It’s all a misunderstanding.” “Yes, a misunderstanding. We were just chatting casually.” “Mrs. Chavez, you misunderstood. How could we dare discuss the Chavez family’s affairs?” They hurried to explain.

Aurora was already an intimidating figure in the business world, and the Chavez family’s backing made her even more formidable. The wealthy ladies were terrified she would report them, escalating the situation. They knew Clifford’s infamous obsession with Aurora, and their gossip had targeted Jeremiah, the “Living Reaper,” old Jase’s cherished grandson and Clusia’s youngest general. Fear gripped them.

Aurora sat, curling her fingers. A few women rushed forward. She kicked the stool beside her, creating a loud crash. Everyone shivered; they had never witnessed such a display. They wondered, Is this how a high-society lady behaves? Aurora’s posture seemed more like a… well, something less refined.

Aurora spoke coldly. “Go on. You were talking so freely when I wasn’t here, weren’t you? And you’re bold enough to discuss my son? Who gave you the courage? My son could be interested in a girl from Seacrity, or even the countryside, and it’s none of your business. The Chavez family has money to spare; I could drown you in it. If my daughter-in-law is broke, I’ll support her. Who are you to gossip like busybodies? Whether she’s a match or not is my son’s decision. Who do you think you are?”

This group of high-society ladies had never been so publicly humiliated. Their faces flushed crimson. They found Aurora’s words mercilessly sharp.

A few attempted a rebuttal. “Mrs. Chavez, we’re speaking the truth. A girl from Seacrity is no match for Mr. Jeremiah Chavez.” “Yes, we’re only being fair to the Chavez family. Your words are too harsh.”

Aurora casually picked up a coffee cup and threw it, shattering it on the floor. Everyone recoiled, viewing her as a brute. She’s so brutal! How can Clifford love such a tomboy? they thought.

Before anyone could react, Aurora rolled up her sleeves and removed her high heels. Like a whirlwind, she lunged forward, grabbing Eleanore’s hair. Pulling, she snarled, “Do we need your nosy opinions on the Chavez family’s affairs? Don’t think I don’t know your intentions. If Jeremiah fancies someone, she’s the best woman in the world! Keep badmouthing her, and I’ll tear your mouths apart!”

The other women watched in shock, too terrified to intervene, as Aurora pulled Eleanore’s hair, strands falling out. Eleanore screamed, a chilling sound. “Let go! You crazy woman! Let go! My hair! Help me!” But no one dared move.

Aurora, using her height advantage, pinned Eleanore. “Weren’t you the one asking about my son earlier? I told you the truth, but you didn’t believe me! What’s wrong with my natural beauty, my happy marriage, my caring husband, and my dutiful son?”

The room was in chaos. Unnoticed, Lucy and Yvette stood at the doorway. Yvette leaned against the frame, hands in her pockets, eyes half-closed, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. Her expression was both enchanting and roguish.

Lucy was speechless. The Aurora she knew was always sophisticated. Is she unleashing her true nature because of these women? she thought. Wow, the greatness of motherly love! Her fighting spirit for her son is incredible! Wait… from the way she talks, it's clearly for her daughter-in-law. What a good mother-in-law!

Lucy’s mouth twitched as she watched Eleanore’s plight. Turning to Yvette, she whispered, “Yvette, did you see that? That’s Aurora. Imagine the girl lucky enough to marry into the Chavez family with such support! She’s not even married yet, and Aurora’s already this protective. If she marries in, she might as well be queen! I’m so envious.”

Yvette glanced at Lucy’s envious expression, then at a woman attempting to sneak out, the door already having fallen. With a chuckle, she called to Aurora, who was still happily pulling hair, “Need any help?”

Everyone, including Aurora, paused, staring at the two stunning women. Aurora released Eleanore, tidied her hair, and gave Yvette a polite, admiring smile. Yvette was the ideal daughter she’d always envisioned. Despite the current scene, Aurora still exuded grace. Beauty was the ultimate weapon to win her heart.

Yvette, smiling, pointed at the fleeing women. Innocently, she said, “They’re trying to run.”

Lucy stared, shocked. Yvette knew how to stir things up. The situation was completely overwhelming.

Aurora snorted, her cold gaze fixing on the retreating women. Terrified, they backtracked, protesting, “No, Mrs. Chavez! Don’t listen to her nonsense. We weren’t planning to run.”

Aurora looked at Yvette. The young woman’s assertion that even if they hadn’t yet run, they intended to run, was enough. Fearing she might frighten Yvette, Aurora nodded gently. “So, young lady, keep an eye on them for me. I’ll settle the score with them one by one before they leave.”

Yvette stood, bending her knee slightly, her long legs emphasized. Casually pulling up a stool, she sat at the doorway. Her voice was low and husky. “Okay. Continue. They won’t get away.”

Lucy was speechless. Yvette was relentless. These women were trapped.

Aurora smiled, turning back to Eleanore’s hair.

Five minutes later, Aurora’s hand ached. Most of Eleanore’s hair was gone; she’d screamed herself hoarse before fainting. The other women begged for mercy. Aurora singled out those who’d spoken earlier, pulling their hair; those with short hair received kicks. Yvette swiftly returned any who attempted escape.

The showdown lasted half an hour. Aurora was exhausted. Fifty was not the same as twenty-five. She looked at the women sprawled on the floor, moaning undignifiedly. Concerned about frightening Yvette, she quickly straightened her clothes. Lucy was speechless, thinking, Isn’t it a bit late to worry about appearances after all that?