I smiled.

It was rare for someone to trust me like this. Even Felicia was skeptical of me when we first met, until I proved my identity. But Crystal was different. She had no idea about my capabilities or who I truly was. She just believed me because of what I said.

It was a first for me, and I couldn't help but feel moved.

Unfortunately, not everyone was Crystal. The others weren't just skeptical; they openly mocked me.

"This guy is hilarious. He still claims to be a rich heir even after being exposed!"

"Hey, Joshua, is it true? Did his girlfriend really cheat on him with you?"

"You'll leave if we don't believe you? Who do you think you're threatening? Just leave already! But let's be real. You wouldn't dare. You finally latched onto Crystal's connections to sneak in here. Like you would really walk away!"

I ignored their taunts, but Crystal couldn't.

"Stop talking nonsense! I begged him to come to this family gathering. It wasn't his idea!"

Joshua suddenly stepped forward and addressed her directly. "Ms. Crystal, you've been deceived. Before meeting you, this guy already had two girlfriends, and he completely played both of them. I'm warning you—don't get involved with him anymore, or you'll be his third victim."

Before he could say anything else, Crystal slapped him across the face. The sharp sound left everyone stunned.

"Did... did Crystal just hit someone?"

"I've never seen her this angry before."

"Is she out of her mind? Joshua is Aunt Zuri's boyfriend!"

But Crystal's expression was stern, her gaze icy. "Joshua, let me warn you—William is my boyfriend. Insulting him is the same as insulting me. Consider this a small punishment. If you dare slander him again, you'll regret it!"

He stood frozen with his hand pressed to his cheek, too stunned to process what had just happened. Even the wealthy woman he had been clinging to didn't dare step forward to defend him. I could understand why.

Firstly, Crystal was clearly one of the most cherished members of the family. Anyone who crossed her wouldn't come out unscathed.

Secondly, for women like her, Joshua was nothing more than a disposable plaything. He had even less leverage, especially now that he was overweight and greasy.

But while they didn't intervene directly, they certainly didn't stop whispering among themselves.

Anna, in particular, looked like she was struggling to contain her laughter. Crystal had overshadowed her for years, and she had long resented her. Seeing Crystal with someone she considered a "poor loser" as a boyfriend was like a dream come true for her.

"Crystal, Grandma always praises you for being smart and capable, but here you are, going against the family over some guy. Honestly, with how things are going, I wouldn't be surprised if you handed the entire Morgan family fortune over to an outsider one day."

Lexie's expression darkened visibly when Anna finished speaking.