Garrett gently escorted a woman into the room, his gaze upon her brimming with affection. “Apologies


    for our tardiness,” Garrett said. “My wife is expecting, and the bumpy ride was too much for her, so we


    took our time.”


    “Is it wise for Mrs. Harding to be out and about so close to her due date?”


    “The doctor rmended she stay active for the baby’s well-being.” Garrett then introduced Laney to


    the room. “This is my wife, Laney. She’s about to give birth. We’ll be sure to invite you all to our child’s


    baptism ceremony.” Laney blushed and shyly nodded.


    “Nice to meet you all.”


    Kailee seethed with rage, clenching her teeth, but she refused to admit defeat.


    The banquetmenced, with mouthwatering dishes and fine wines served in abundance. Pretending


    all was well, Kailee sat beside Garrett, reminiscing about their school days, attempting to rekindle his


    memories.


    To her dismay, Garrett s focus remained solely on Laney. He would asionally interject before


    resuming his whispered conversation with his wife.


    Kailee’s eyes smoldered with fury, but she managed to keep herposure.


    Her meticulously nned reunion had been derailed by Laney’s presence, and she was determined to


    exact revenge.


    As Kailee rose from her seat, she feigned clumsiness, knocking over a ss of wine that drenched


    Garrett.


    “Oh, I’m so sorry’” she cried out, reaching for a napkin to help clean up the mess. But Garrett stopped


    her.


    “No need, I’ll just head to the restroom to freshen up.” He whispered a few words to Laney before


    excusing himself.


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    Once he was gone, all eyes turned to Laney, filled with curiosity, disdain, and contempt. Their gazes


    were judgmental, as they harbored a deep dislike for those without power or influence.


    Aware of Laney’s humble background and believing she had somehow seduced Garrett, Kailee sought


    to humiliate her further. She asked pointedly, “Garrett never shared your love story with us. Mrs.


    Harding, would you care to enlighten us?”


    Egged on by Kailee’s inquiry, the others chimed in with their own questions.


    Under the scrutinizing gaze of the gathering, Laney unapologetically shared her past. “I was once a


    bodyguard. It was only when I was employed by Natalie, thedy of the White family, that I identally


    encountered Garrett.” The crowd’s eyes narrowed with scorn, surveying Laney as if she were filth


    beneath their shoes.


    Feigning shock, Kailee inquired, “A bodyguard? Surely, you mean a servant?”


    Laughter erupted from the audience, clearly sharing the sentiment.


    Yet, Laney remained unperturbed, sittingposed in her chair.


    Witnessing Laney’s tranquil demeanor despite the public ridicule, Kailee’s displeasure grew as she


    continued to mock, “As I recall, Natalie was raised by a servant. Fortuitously, she returned to the White


    family and wed the CEO of the Larson Group. However, her reputation has always been quite dubious.


    It must have been quite the task to be her bodyguard.”


    Laney’s face darkened at the sarcastic remark. Coldly, she red at Kailee and questioned, “What are


    you implying?”


    “Nothing, just curious,” Kailee nonchntly replied, sipping her wine. “After all, you’re the only former


    bodyguard present. I’m simply curious about the role, especially for someone with a tarnished


    reputation like Natalie. Were you assisting her in evading the discovery of her infidelities and eluding


    the p**ss?”


    “Ha-ha.” Chuckles filled the room, with someone snickering, “No wonder Natalie needs a bodyguard.”


    The derision intensified, their words growing crueler.


    Laney’s exp**ssion shifted drastically. While she could bear theirments about herself, she would


    not stand for them ndering Natalie. “Hold your t***ues! Natalie is thedy of the White family and the


    wife of the Larson Group’s CEO. If they learn of your disrespect, they won’t let it slide!”


    The conversation halted abruptly. As prominent families in Barnes, the White family and the Larson


    Group were not to be trifled with.


    Kailee was slightly mortified, as she too could not afford to provoke them. Hastily, she attempted to


    defuse the situation, “We were just joking Don’t take it to heart.”


    But Laney’s icy stare suggested otherwise. “Such jests are in poor taste. Mind your manners.”


    With that, she pushed back her chair and spun around to leave, eager to escape the wretched


    atmosphere.


    Noticing Laney’s brusque exit, a malicious glint appeared in Kailee’s eyes. Stealthily, she extended her


    foot in an attempt to trip her.


    In her fury, Laney didn’t notice the obstruction and stumbled, nearly falling!


    At that moment, Garrett caught her, cradling her off-bnce form in his arms.


    “Darling, are you alright?” asked Garrett with concern.


    Laney’s face paled, but she clutched her belly and shook her head. “I’m fine.”


    Garrett was infuriated that his wife had been tormented in his brief absence. His exp**ssion darkened


    as he dered, “How dare you bully my wife?”


    The previously jovial room fell silent, the temperature dropping.


    No one dared to cross Garrett. Kailee hadn’t anticipated Garrett’s return or his fury.


    Nervously, she forced a smile and stammered, “We were just… joking. We meant nothing by it.”


    Garrett cut her off icily, “My wife is not here for your amusement.”


    Kailee’s face turned ashen, her hands involuntarily clenching as her nails dug into her flesh.


    She hadn’t foreseen Garrett’s staunch defense of Laney, nor his willingness to sever lies with everyone


    over a few words, disregarding their former fellowship.


    “You can exclude me from such gatherings in the future.”