Chapter 51: Monica Was Humiliated

Monica believed Aiden Aaron's arrival meant powerful support, but the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Patrick quickly abandoned Olive and approached Aiden.

"Godfather, thank you for coming despite your busy schedule. We've all been waiting for you."

Aiden, a chubby man with the shrewd look of a businessman, patted Monica's hand soothingly. "Patrick, I hear Monica's been bullied, making her unhappy. I allowed you to marry her for her happiness, not her suffering. Do you understand?"

Patrick froze. He'd promised Olive he'd protect her, but Aiden's arrival felt like a slap in the face. A man concerned primarily with reputation, Patrick stammered, "Godfather, I'll treat Monica well. Our relationship won't be affected by rumors. This anniversary proves it." He closed his eyes, speaking confidently.

Aiden glanced at Monica. "Monica, what do you think?"

Feeling empowered, Monica, previously depressed, reluctantly looked at Patrick and muttered, "Let's see if he behaves well."

"Patrick, treat my daughter well," Aiden emphasized.

"Yes, yes, I understand perfectly," Patrick nodded.

Aiden, a high-status capitalist, was immediately surrounded by other wealthy businessmen. Monica, still clinging to Aiden's arm, annoyed the other wealthy women. Gabriella, gleeful, taunted Olive, "See? You're no match for my mother. Even my father bows to her now."

Olive ignored Gabriella, watching Monica and Aiden bask in the attention. A piano melody signaled the start of dancing. Patrick, as host and groom, extended his hand to Monica.

"Monica, may I have this dance?"

Relieved, Monica accepted. Her relationship with Patrick had recently deteriorated. Olive watched her father's desperate attempts to appease Monica. Monica, however, turned to Aiden.

"Godfather, let me dance with you first."

Their relationship was far from platonic. Seeing Monica's captivating expression and their long separation, Aiden embraced her.

"Of course, my princess."

Patrick felt a pang of despair as they danced. Aiden asked Monica, "Is this the man you chose? He seems useless."

Monica chuckled, "If not him, would I marry my godfather? His wife would devour me!"

Aiden's breathing grew heavy; he tightened his grip on her waist. "Meet me at the hotel tonight."

Monica readily agreed; Patrick desperately needed capital. She was prepared to sleep with Aiden.

Gabriella, arrogant as ever, announced to Olive, "Did you see that? Dad upset Mom, and she refused to dance with him. As long as Mom's godfather lives, she'll rule this family."

Olive, ignoring Gabriella, approached a worried Patrick. "Dad, Gabriella said you angered Mom, and that's why she's not dancing with you. She said Mom's in charge. I'm sorry, Dad. It's my fault."

Everyone's eyes fell on Patrick, pity and ridicule evident. Humiliated further, he glared at Gabriella, who trembled in fear. Olive, oblivious, worriedly asked Patrick, "Dad, is Mr. Aaron really Mom's godfather? He seems… different."

Eyes turned to the dance floor, where Aiden held Monica close. Olive's doubt cast suspicion on their relationship.

"They're dancing like lovers," a guest whispered.

"Quiet, Patrick's here," another countered.

Patrick, clenching his fists, muttered "Slut" under his breath.

The door burst open. Monica, turning angrily, began to speak, "Who dares—" before a whip struck her. She screamed, falling to the ground.

Mrs. Aiden entered, holding a video—secretly recorded by Olive—showing Monica dancing intimately with Aiden. Aiden panicked, abandoning Monica as Mrs. Aaron approached him.

"Babe, why are you here?" The gasp from the crowd confirmed her identity.