ssica stood before Rhea , the weight of the crowds gaze pressing down upon her.Hugh lingered nearby , his scowl deepening , uncertainty flickering across his face .
He couldnt guess what Rhea had in mind .
Rheas lips twisted into a smile that didnt quite reach her eyes , her gaze cold and calculating .
Before we go any further , youll answer one question .
Answer wrong , and there will be consequences .
Jessica met her stare with an unblinking calm , her expression unreadable .
Rhea hadnt changed- still too spineless to acknowledge their past in front of all these people .
Ask away , she replied , her voice steady .
Rheas eyes gleamed with malice , the corners of her mouth tightening .
What did you say to my husband outside ? Jessicas brow furrowed , a flicker of understanding crossing her face .
She could already feel the trap being set .
Youd do better asking Hugh , she said evenly .
Hes the one who dragged me out there .
I did ask him .
Rheas voice dripped with disdain , her words slicing through the air .
He said tried to flirt with him .
Is that true ? A murmur rippled through the crowd , whispers of disbelief and curiosity rising .
you Jessicas eyes flashed , but she didnt get the chance to defend herself before Rhea pointed at her , accusing her loudly .
This is Jessica Scott , the woman who betrayed Hugh five years ago .
Her treason came to light on the day of their wedding ! The room fell into a stunned silence , then erupted into whispers and mutters .
Eyes turned to Jessica , some filled with judgment , others filled with curiosity .
Jessicas face tightened .
So , this was Rheas plan to drag up the past , to paint her as the villain .
She had expected this , prepared for it .
And now , even after everything , she still tries to seduce my husband ! Rheas voice rang through the room , sharp and accusatory .
The crowds murmurs grew louder , their judgment clear .
A few voices called for Jessica to leave , their words cutting through the air like a blade .
Jessicas fists clenched at her sides .
Rhea had played her hand well , and Jessica could feel the heat of her own fury rising , smoldering just beneath the surface .
I didnt try anything with him , Jessica snapped , her voice rising in defiance .
Bring him up here and let him tell everyone himself .
1/3 Rheas lips curled into a cold smile , a laugh slipping past her teeth .
Youve already lost .
your chance .
Her voice was a razors edge .
I warned you .
Answer wrong , and theres a punishment .
Before Jessica could respond , Rhea reached for a glass of wine with swift , practiced motions , and with a flick of her wrist , hurled it at Jessicas face .
Jessica didnt have time to react .
The cold liquid splashed across her , soaking her from head to toe .
Her eyes slammed shut instinctively as the chill crawled over her skin , shivers running down .
her spine .
The room fell utterly still .
No one dared move , their eyes locked on the two women .
The silence .
was thick , as if time itself had paused .
In the corner .
Charles stood frozen , his eyes darkening .
His gaze never left Jessica , who now stood soaked and stunned .
Was this what she had come here for ? He didnt move , his curiosity piqued .
He wanted to see how she would handle this .
Jessicas body trembled , but it wasnt the cold that shook her .
For a moment , she was back at that wedding five years ago where Rhea had humiliated her in front of everyone .
The sting of it returned in full force .
Her anger flared , sudden and fierce .
She opened her eyes , the fire of rage burning in her gaze , hot and wild .
Rhea froze , taken aback by the intensity of Jessicas response .
For a brief , shocking moment , she stood still , caught off guard .
Jessica moved with purpose , each step deliberate , her eyes locked on Rhea .
Rhea was jolted from her daze only when Jessica stood before her , close enough to feel the weight of her words .
With a voice low and venomous , Jessica leaned in , her breath grazing Rheas ear .
I heard youre pregnant .
But the child in your womb isnt Hughs .
Rheas pupils expanded , then constricted , her face paling as if Jessica had shattered a carefully constructed illusion .
A cold wave of panic surged through her , and without a second thought , she shoved Jessica away , her hands shaking with the force of her response .
Get away from me ! she hissed , her voice trembling with fear .
Caught off guard , Jessica stumbled back , her balance lost .
She crashed into the towering cake , sending it toppling with a sickening crash .
The thick , sticky frosting splattered across her face and gown , dragging her down with it .
A collective gasp rose from the crowd , the room suddenly tense .
Guests recoiled , avoiding the mess in a flurry of movement .
Hugh , unable to remain detached any longer , shot a venomous glance at Jessica .
Without hesitation , he stalked onto the stage , his broad frame moving protectively in front of Rhea .
Security surged forward , ready to haul Jessica away , but just before they could reach her , a voice -cold and commanding halted them .
Everyone turned .
A man stepped forward , his presence heavy , as though he carried the weight of the room with every stride .
The crowd parted instinctively , the guards faltering in their steps , unsure of how to proceed .
Jessica , still kneeling on the floor , looked up to see him standing over her .
His gaze was sharp , piercing .
A familiar chill ran through her .
She could stand strong just a moment ago , but seeing him seemed to have stripped away all her layers of protection .
Now , she felt like an abandoned kitten .
She managed a smile , fragile and strained .
Hensley … Im sorry .
Ive made a mess of things .
Charles glanced at her briefly , his eyes unreadable , then turned his attention to Rhea .
His voice , smooth and deliberate , sliced through the tension .
Shes with me .
You should have asked before you acted .
His words were measured , his tone neutral , but the icy edge in his voice made it clear .
A warning .
The crowd shifted uncomfortably , sensing the subtle power in his words .
Jessica wasnt just anyone she was Charles companion , and Rhea had made the mistake of humiliating her in front of him .
Rhea , suddenly aware of her blunder , felt a knot of fear tighten in her chest under Charless unwavering gaze .
She hesitated , the ground beneath her feet feeling unstable .
Uncle Charles … she began , but her voice faltered .
Charless gaze turned even colder .
Dont call me that .
I cant stand it .
Rhea went pale , the words dying in her throat .
She swallowed , her lips pressed tightly together , unable to respond .
Hugh , scrambling to salvage the situation , spoke quickly .
Uncle Charles , Rhea didnt mean to- Charles silenced him with a single glance icy , dismissive .
Without another word , he bent down , lifted Jessica effortlessly , and turned on his heel , walking away
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.
