Chapter 24

“She’s not here to cause trouble, is she?!”

Hal: “Who does she think she is to cause trouble? Does she really think she’s Lake’s wife?”

“Most families have already announced their engagement. She’s showing up now; it’s nothing but self-inflicted humiliation.”

“But she didn’t do anything wrong, right? She was just dating him if he’s livatless and plans to marry someone else, low is that?”

The guests whispered among themselves. Most were here to watch the drama, eager for Vespera to embarrass herself. A few people spoke out in her defense, but they were quickly shot down.

Tina’s face went pale as she saw Vespera walking toward them, her eyes wide with shock. It was as if she had seen a ghost.

Felicia, who was already on edge, grew more flustered. Even more so was Lake, who immediately started moving toward her.

“Don’t go.” Tina grabbed his arm, pulling him back. In a rush, she didn’t care about the setting or the people around them.

She took on the role of the legitimate fiancée and shouted at Vespera, “Loke and Lare getting engaged. We’re about to be married. Stop bothering him!”

Luke was about to lose his mind. But in front of so many people, he couldn’t lash out. He kept his voice low, telling Tina to be quiet, his face cold as he tried to pull his arm free from her grip. Tina was on the verge of tears, but she couldn’t let go.

Luke tried to leave again, but Austin and Rolf Sowle, the scions of the Sowle family, stepped in and stopped him.

Austin said, “Luke, get a grip. You really want to embarrass my sister in front of everyone just for that woman?”

Luke glared at him. “Let go!”

The guests were even more eager to watch the drama unfold. Whispers grew louder, and the tension in the room was palpable. Vespera had already reached the center of the banquet hall.

As she walked, she casually grabbed a glass of red wine from a nearby table and took a sip, her posture graceful and confident.

“What exactly do you want to do here? Leave right now!” Felicia quickly walked down from the stage and positioned herself in front of Vespera.

Luke broke free from Austin and Rolf, moving toward Vespera. He stood in front of her, his face cold as he said, “Let’s not cause a scene here. I’ll explain everything when we’re home.”

“Luke, are you planning to take her as your mistress?” Vespera interrupted him, her tone slow and laced with mockery and sarcasm.

Luke’s face darkened.

Tina and the Sowle family were instantly enraged when they heard the words “mistress.” They wondered what she meant by calling Tina a mistress. It was clearly an insult, implying that Tina would be Luke’s second wife, even if she married him. This was a blatant provocation.

The guests were also shocked. Vespera had some nerve to say that. They wondered where her confidence came from.

Tina’s face twisted with anger as she lost control of her emotions. “Vespera, you have no shame! I’m Lake’s wife. We’re getting engaged! I’m the legitimate one!”

“Shut up!” Luke snapped harshly.

Felicia hurried over to comfort Tina, wrapping her arms around her. “Ina, don’t let her get to you. Let’s not argue with her.”

Vespera raised her hand dismissively. “Don’t stop her. Let her say whatever she wants.”

“Vespera, if you keep spouting nonsense, you can forget about getting a single cent of the breakup.” Pellela was worried Vespera might accidentally reveal their secret marriage, so she threatened her with money. But then, she remembered the agreement she had forced Vespera to sign the night before.

Her heart sank.

Lake’s gaze turned cold and sharp. “What breakup?” Felicia asked palely.

“Thought it was all about true love, huh? In the end, it’s just about the money.”