Facing Liam’s stern words, Ryan swallowed hard, his voice tight as he argued, “Ethan and my cousin are each other’s true loves. They were separated by unexpected circumstances, and they still care deeply for each other now. Besides-”
But before he could continue, Liam cut in sharply, “That is in the past! Ethan is now a married man with responsibilities! If your cousin pursues him, she is meddling in another family’s affairs-that’s nothing short of being a home wrecker!”
Liam’s words struck Emily like a blow, wounding her deeply.
She pressed her lips together, a mix of anger and hurt swirling within her.
If only Ethan were free of Jessica, she wouldn’t be in such a vulnerable position.
With these thoughts weighing on her, Emily turned to Ethan, her eyes brimming with tears, her voice breaking. “Ethan, do you… Do you see me as the other woman in your relationship with Jessica?”
Ethan met her gaze and frowned slightly.
Ryan glared at Liam, inhaling sharply as he said, “Mr. Thomas, don’t you think that’s a bit harsh? While you cast aspersions on my cousin, perhaps you should scrutinize your god-sister Belinie’s actions! Isn’t it disgraceful for her to seduce Ethan, too? She knows Ethan is married, yet she dines alone with him. And just the other day, Emily and I saw her leaving Ethan’ office! Would you not label that as Belinie being a home wrecker?”
After a pause, he continued, “Moreover, you claim Belinie is joining the Cardiac Surgery Department at the Grand Plains General Hospital, but my aunt’s husband, the chief physician there, assures me there’s no one named Belinie or anyone with the surname Thomas working there, be they doctor or nurse. Isn’t it shameless of you to lie about that? What do you want to say to that now?”
Ryan’s tone was firm as he said those words, his face etched with indignation.
Tessa, unable to suppress a chuckle at the escalating drama, turned to Abigail, her voice dripping with faux concern. “Mrs. Thomas, this doesn’t look good for your goddaughter. Meeting alone with a married man like Ethan-imagine the rumors if people find out
“about the matter!”
Abigail responded with nothing more than an ley ganes directed at Tessa.
A wealthy lady nearby, sensing the tension, subtly pulled at Tessa’s sleeve, urging her to drop the subject.
Tessa complied outwardly but scoffed inwardly, amused by Abigail’s discomfort.
Liam, after hearing Ryan’s moralistic stance, let out a scornful chuckle.
He fixed Ryan with a look of disdain and countered, “Who said Belinle’s last name was Thomas? And who told you Belinte is her actual name?”
Ryan’s and Emily’s expressions faltered, confusion spreading across their faces.
What did Liam mean by that?
“Belinie, come here,” Abigail called out, breaking her silence for the first time.
Jessica made her way past the gathering of elite women to stand beside Abigail.
Abigail affectionately adjusted Jessica’s hair and then, with a pointed look at Ethan, her voice cool, urged, “Ethan, perhaps you’d like to introduce her properly to everyone?”
Though puzzled by Abigail’s implication, everyone turned their gazes to Ethan.
Ethan met their gazes with a steady calm, and in a low, firm voice, he said, “She is Jessica Clark.”
As Ethan pronounced Jessica’s name, the revelation struck Ryan and Emily like a thunderclap, leaving them visibly stunned.
Ryan and Emily stared at Ethan, their eyes wide with shock, unable to utter a word.
After a long silence, Emily regained her composure, her voice trembling. “Ethan… What did you just say? Who is she?”
Ethan paused, his expression resolute, before replying, “She is my wife, Jessica.’
The revelation left not just Ryan and Emily but also the affluent women present speechless, their expressions frozen in disbelief.
Abigail’s goddaughter Belinie was actually the elusive Mrs. Clark!
This revelation was too shocking!

Tessa’s smile stiffened, the shock evident on her face.
“Impossible! How can she be Jessica?” Ryan erupted, his voice filled with disbelief.
He turned to Jessica, whose beauty was undeniable. To Ryan, she looked nothing like the Jessica he remembered.
How could this graceful woman be the same Jessica he knew?
Overwhelmed by the situation, Ryan blurted out without thinking, “Jessica is ugly, overweight, and marred by a distinct black mark on her face. How can she and Jessica be the same person?”