Chapter 51: Monica Was Beaten

Aiden Aaron's arrival had initially bolstered Monica's confidence. However, the atmosphere shifted abruptly. Patrick quickly left Olive's side and approached Aiden.

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

Aiden, a portly man with the shrewd look of a seasoned businessman, patted Monica's hand soothingly. "Patrick, I hear Monica has been bullied lately, making her unhappy. I allowed you to marry her to make her happy, not to make her suffer. Do you understand?"

Patrick froze. He'd just promised Olive he'd protect her, and Aiden's arrival felt like a slap in the face. A feudal man at heart, Patrick valued his reputation above all else.

"Godfather, I'll treat Monica well. Our relationship won't be affected by rumors. This anniversary is proof," Patrick declared, closing his eyes confidently.

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

Feeling empowered, Monica, previously despondent, gazed hesitantly at Patrick and murmured, "Let's see if he behaves better in the future."

"Patrick, I expect you to treat my daughter well from now on," Aiden emphasized.

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

Aiden's high status and wealth quickly drew a crowd of businessmen. Monica, still clinging to Aiden's arm, displeased the other wealthy women present.

Gabriella, gleefully eyeing Olive, sneered, "See? You're no match for my mother. Even my father bows to her now."

Olive remained silent, observing Monica and Aiden bask in the attention. The hall filled with melodious piano music, signaling the start of the dance.

As host and celebrant, Patrick approached Monica. "Monica, may I have this dance?"

Relieved by his gesture, Monica acknowledged his attempt at reconciliation, considering their recent strained relationship. Olive watched her father desperately try to win Monica's favor.

Monica, however, turned to Aiden. "Godfather, let me dance with you first."

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

"Okay, whatever my princess wants."

They took to the dance floor, leaving Patrick feeling his soul drain away. His fury remained concealed.

While dancing, Aiden asked, "Monica, this is the man you chose? He seems useless."

Monica chuckled. "If I hadn't married him, would I have married my godfather? That tigress at home would devour me."

Aiden's breath hitched, his grip tightening. "Meet me at the hotel tonight."

Monica readily agreed; Patrick desperately needed capital. She didn't hesitate to consent to his advances.

Gabriella, boasting to Olive, declared, "Did you see that? Dad upset Mom, and she refused to dance with him. As long as my mother's godfather lives, she'll run this family."

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

Her loud voice drew everyone's attention, focusing pity and ridicule on Patrick.

Already embarrassed, Patrick felt further humiliated. He glared fiercely at Gabriella, who trembled, fearing a slap were it not for the VIPs present.

Olive, oblivious to Gabriella's fear, worriedly asked Patrick, "Dad, is Mr. Aaron really Mom's godfather? He seems… different towards her."

All eyes turned to the dance floor. Aiden's arm encircled Monica's waist. Olive's question cast doubt on their supposed godparent-goddaughter relationship.

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

"Be quiet, Patrick's here," another countered.

Patrick, fists clenched, watched their passionate dance. "Slut," he muttered.

Suddenly, the door burst open. Monica, turning her head, angrily demanded, "Who dares—"

Before she finished, a whip lashed out, striking her. Monica screamed, falling to the ground in pain. All eyes turned to the doorway as Mrs. Aiden entered, a video on her phone – secretly recorded footage of Monica and Aiden dancing. Aiden panicked and rushed to his wife.

"Babe, why are you here?"

A collective gasp arose as everyone realized she was Mrs. Aaron.