Chapter 4

My father couldn’t possibly have another child.

I never imagined Ethan had been claiming to be my father’s son behind my back.

No wonder he acted so arrogantly.

Sophie snorted.

“What could you possibly know? My husband is Chairman Victor’s illegitimate son. He was only recently acknowledged by the family. A commoner like you obviously wouldn’t know.”

I stared coldly at her. My voice wasn’t loud, but each word was as sharp as a blade against glass.

“Have you ever heard of the powerful Harrington family from the North?”

Sophie’s smile froze on her face, and confusion and unease flashed through her eyes.

She had clearly never heard of them, but instinct told her the name carried weight.

She turned toward the security guards and barked imperiously, “Why are you still hesitating? Arrest this woman immediately. Do you want to wait until she hurts someone else?”

The security guards’ expressions also turned colder.

“Ma’am, you’ll have to come with us.”

“I haven’t done anything wrong. Why should I go with you?”

I looked at them coldly. “She’s the one who publicly insulted me. She should be the one apologizing.”

Seeing that I refused to back down, the attendant had no choice but to contact Ethan again.

This time, the response came quickly.

“The general manager instructs security to remove the disruptive guest from the VIP ballroom immediately to maintain order. Force may be used if necessary.”

The surrounding guests began whispering even more loudly.

I could hear them pointing at me and Mia.

One of the security guards sighed and picked up my daughter.

The other two moved in to restrain me.

“Ma’am, please cooperate with us.”

Mia burst into frightened tears.

I broke free and pulled my daughter back into my arms.

I gently wiped the tears from her face and comforted her softly. “Don’t be scared, sweetheart. Mommy will protect you.”

Sophie lifted her chin smugly, her expression practically saying, This is what happens when you go against me.

I looked around at the guests who knew nothing of the truth, the hotel staff who were determined to enforce their orders, and my trembling daughter in my arms.

An unprecedented fury burned in my chest.

Ethan, you had betrayed our marriage, and now you were using your authority to openly side with your mistress and twist the truth against me?

Fine.

Very well.

I raised my head and looked around at everyone, holding my daughter tightly as I spoke clearly and firmly.

“Fine. I’ll go with you.”

I followed the security guards toward the security office at the back of the hotel.

Mia tilted up her tear-filled face and asked in a small, trembling voice, “Mommy, does Daddy not love us anymore? Why is he helping that lady?”

My heart felt as if it had been tightly wrenched.

I crouched down to meet her eyes and gently wiped away her tears with my fingertip.

“Sweetheart, Daddy made a terrible mistake. Mommy will take care of everything. Remember, no matter what happens, Mommy will always love you.”

Mia pressed herself tightly against me, her little hand never letting go of my clothes.

As I looked at the city lights slowly brightening outside the window, my resolve grew stronger.

Ethan, you would pay for your betrayal and shamelessness.

The charity gala finally ended.

The door to the security office opened, and two hotel security guards were waiting outside.

With everyone watching, Mia and I were escorted into the security office, where security personnel waited with us.

Mia was frightened, but she stayed brave and didn’t cry out loud. She only held my hand tightly.

The lights in the security office were cold and white.

We had barely sat down when a familiar voice came from outside.

Sophie whined sweetly, “Ethan, you have to stand up for me. That crazy woman was awful! My face still hurts.”

“Okay, okay, Sophie. Don’t be angry. Now that we’re here, I’ll get justice for you. It’s only a disruptive guest. Dealing with her will be easy.”

The door opened.

Ethan walked in first, wearing a sharply tailored suit.

“Where’s the person causing trouble?”

I spoke coldly.

“Right here, General Manager Ethan.”

I slowly rose and calmly met Ethan’s widening eyes.