So, who was he putting on this performance for now?

Swallowing the bile rising in my throat, I whispered,

"Sean, I’m feeling tired. Take me back to the hospital."

Sean hesitated for a moment before nodding. His eyes were red as he lifted me into his arms.

But as soon as we stepped out of the company doors, a swarm of reporters descended upon us.

Microphones were shoved in my face.

"Mrs. Hoffman, the video of your assault has been circulating online. Do you have anything to say?"

"Mrs. Hoffman, we heard that due to trauma, your baby died in the womb. As a mother, do you think this was avoidable?"

"Mrs. Hoffman, will this incident affect your marriage with Mr. Hoffman? And now that you can no longer conceive, how do you plan to face the future?"

Flashes went off in every direction, the blinding lights making me tremble violently.

Seeing this, Sean immediately removed his suit jacket, wrapping it around me and shielding me from the cameras.

Then, with a firm expression, he turned to the reporters and answered—

"Regarding the recent rumors, I will hold a separate press conference tomorrow to make a statement."

"But if anyone dares to slander my wife again, the Hoffman Group’s legal team will immediately take action and file a lawsuit."

With that, Sean tightened his arms around me, preparing to leave.

But just as I took a step forward, a sharp cry of pain came from behind.

"Ouch! My leg—it hurts so much!"

Sean instantly stiffened, his grip on me loosening. He turned, his expression filled with concern.

Then, as if suddenly remembering my presence, he looked at me apologetically.

"Marie, you go ahead first. I’ll check on Mandy."

Before I could say a word, he had already rushed over.

And just like that, the barrier protecting me was gone.

The reporters swarmed in again.

There were too many of them. In the chaos, I was shoved, my body losing balance.

I crashed to the ground.

Countless feet trampled over my hands, my legs—

Pain shot through me like a thousand needles piercing my skin. Cold sweat dripped down my forehead.

But through it all, my gaze remained locked on Sean.

Not far away, he was cradling Mandy in his arms, carefully helping her into the car.

He didn’t look back.

Not even once.

Maybe he hadn’t noticed what was happening to me.

Or maybe… he had, and he just didn’t care.

A bitter laugh escaped my lips as I lay on the cold ground, humiliated, abandoned.