I glanced at her, all dressed up. Over the years, she had wormed her way into high society with the money I’d given her, which was how she managed to get into events like this. I only found out about that later from others.

“Do I need your permission to be here?” I asked, giving Kate a cold look.

“Anabella, you don’t want everyone finding out about your bankruptcy, do you?” Kate suddenly smirked, her eyes locking onto mine. “If you drop the lawsuit, I’ll keep it quiet. Otherwise, you’re going to be humiliated at today’s banquet!”

I just smiled at her. “No need to drop the lawsuit. You and Howard have taken enough of my money over the years, and I’m looking forward to getting it back to pay off my debts.”

As I turned to leave, Kate grabbed my hand.

“Everyone, look over here!” she shouted. “This is the woman who squandered all her family’s assets, racked up a mountain of debt, and even tricked my mother out of her house. She’s been swindling my family for years!”

Her voice rang out loudly, drawing the attention of everyone in the banquet hall. Kate looked pleased with herself, clearly enjoying the scene she was creating.

“If you won’t let me live peacefully, I’ll ruin your reputation!” she said viciously.

But I just kept smiling. I noticed several people approaching us, including some of the event organizers who also happened to be my friends. One of them was Elsa Kemble, a long-time friend who had played a big role in helping me sell my company for a good price.

As soon as she arrived, she gave me a questioning look. I shook my head with a wry smile. “Ms. Kemble, please don’t mind this little family drama.”

Ms. Kemble smiled back reassuringly. “It’s all right,” she said.

“She’s bankrupt! She has no right to be here. Be careful not to let her fool you!” Kate’s voice cut in, full of spite.

“Bankrupt? She just sold her company for a cool $100,000,000!” one of the onlookers said with a laugh.

A few people who knew my story started chuckling, turning their gaze on Kate like she was the joke of the evening.

“What?” Kate looked stunned.