I let out a scoff.
“I didn't come here to play your pathetic little games.”
“I came to settle the score.”
Elwin's expression went cold instantly.
“Maura, you'd better behave yourself before Summer gets here.”
Norma jabbed a finger at me, snarling：
“Ungrateful wretch! Just wait until my daughter-in-law gets here and puts you in your place!”
The words had barely left her mouth when a figure appeared, drawing every eye in the room as she glided toward us.
Summer Pruitt wore a lavish designer dress, every gesture radiating the kind of arrogance and entitlement that only old money could breed.
She stopped to fuss over the baby for a moment, then made her way over.
First she greeted Norma, then looped her arm through Elwin's.
“Elwin, what are you and Mom up to?”
Norma pointed at me：
“Summer, thank God you're here. This tramp found out you're my daughter-in-law and had the nerve to mouth off at me. Deal with her!”
Summer's gaze swept over me, sizing me up from head to toe.
“So you're the woman who chased after Elwin for five years and wouldn't take no for an answer until he married you?”
“He told me he never even liked you. The only reason he went through with it was because he felt sorry for you, throwing yourself at him the way you did.”
“He's too kind for his own good, really. But now he's the father of my son, so I'd suggest you do the smart thing and sign those divorce papers quietly.”
“Oh, and one more thing. You disrespected someone you shouldn't have. You owe her an apology. On your knees.”
I glanced around. Summer's bodyguards had corralled the other guests several yards away, keeping them out of earshot. The purpose was obvious: nothing said here was meant to leave this circle.
I smiled coldly.
“Quite the guest list tonight. You must be worried about dragging the Pruitt name through the mud.”
She caught my meaning. A thin, icy smile curled across her lips.
“Smart enough to figure that out, are you? Then let me guess why you're really here. Money.”
Norma sneered.
“This one's got some nerve. My son already offered her a million-dollar check and she tore it up.”
Summer's eyes narrowed.
Then she pulled out a check of her own.
“Tell you what. Fill in whatever number you want. Keep your mouth shut, and I won't make your life difficult.”
Norma bristled, unwilling to let it go.
“But she just……”
Summer's expression turned frigid.
“Shut up. This is about the Pruitt reputation.”
Norma clenched her jaw and glared at me but didn't dare say another word.
I looked at the check.
This time, I took it.
A satisfied smile spread across Summer's face.
“Good. Now that you've accepted, leave.”
I replied evenly：“What's the rush? Elwin is still technically my husband. The least I can do is stay and enjoy the celebration.”
Something cold flickered behind Summer's eyes.
“Fine. If you want to watch so badly, then watch to your heart's content.”
“Pathetic.”
She let out a contemptuous laugh and walked away with her entourage.
It wasn't long before one of my operatives sent me a video.
On the screen, Summer was giving Norma her instructions.
“Once the banquet is over, take a few men and get rid of that woman for good. I don't want her running her mouth. Keep the check for yourself. I'll handle the rest.”
Norma was practically glowing：
“Now that's the daughter-in-law I deserve! So satisfying. The second she steps out, I'll take care of it.”
When the time came, the emcee took the stage.
He launched into an effusive speech about how Summer had been instrumental to Elwin's company, how the two had fallen in love through their partnership, then heaped praise on the baby in their arms.
Then Summer picked up the microphone.
“Thank you all for being here tonight to celebrate our baby's one-month celebration. My husband and I are deeply honored by your presence.”
“I now declare this banquet……”
