But before the slap could land, a hand caught my wrist.
Ethan stepped in front of Victoria, his brows drawn tight.
My gaze traveled up his arm and landed on the faint scar exposed at his neck. I froze.
That was from seven years ago. Grandma had just gotten sick, and the loan sharks I'd borrowed from came to collect. They blocked my door, came at me with a knife, about to cut me down.
He appeared out of nowhere and threw himself in front of me without hesitation.
That scar was from that day.
It felt like a hand was squeezing my heart—aching, sour.
The man who once took a blade for me... how had he become this?
He'd personally destroyed my chance to become a mother. Used it as leverage to humiliate me. Made me waste seven years of my youth living as a joke.
Looking at the scene before me, I suddenly felt it was all meaningless.
What was the point of fighting over this painting? It would only add more embarrassment.
I slowly loosened my grip. "Forget it. If you want it, take it."
I didn't look at either of them again. I turned and left.
On the day of the birthday banquet, I arrived at Gilbert Mansion on time.
I deliberately avoided the front hall, planning to wait until the banquet officially began before going in to congratulate Uncle Richard. But I still ran into Ethan and Victoria at the entrance.
He was holding her hand, the two of them walking over side by side.
The moment they appeared, every eye in the vicinity turned to look.
Curiosity. But even more—undisguised mockery.
"Ethan bringing the pregnant Victoria—isn't this just grinding Alex's face into the dirt?"
"I heard she only married into the Gilbert family because she took money. Pitiful, sure, but seven years without getting pregnant and she still wouldn't let go of her position. She brought this on herself."
I took a deep breath and walked past them, my face expressionless. I ignored the whispers. Didn't look at either of them once.
When I reached the banquet hall, I caught a distant glimpse of Chairman Gilbert in the seat of honor. His gaze landed on me, something complicated flickering in his eyes.
I gave a slight nod, then found a corner seat and sat down, quietly waiting for the banquet to end.
Not long after, Victoria held Ethan's hand and walked straight toward me.
The surrounding chatter gradually died down. All eyes followed, hungry for a spectacle.