Chapter 712
Garrett gently escorted a woman into the room, his gaze upon her brimming with affection. “Apologies for our tardiness,” Garrett said. “My wife is expecting, and the bumpy ride was too much for her, so we took our time.”
“Is it wise for Mrs. Harding to be out and about so close to her due date?”
“The doctor recommended she stay active for the baby’s well-being.” Garrett then introduced Laney to the room. “This is my wife, Laney. She’s about to give birth. We’ll be sure to invite you all to our child’s baptism ceremony.” Laney blushed and shyly nodded.
“Nice to meet you all.”
Kailee seethed with rage, clenching her teeth, but she refused to admit defeat.
The banquet commenced, with mouthwatering dishes and fine wines served in abundance. Pretending all was well, Kailee sat beside Garrett, reminiscing about their school days, attempting to rekindle his memories.
To her dismay, Garrett s focus remained solely on Laney. He would occasionally interject before resuming his whispered conversation with his wife.
Kailee’s eyes smoldered with fury, but she managed to keep her composure.
Her meticulously planned reunion had been derailed by Laney’s presence, and she was determined to exact revenge.
As Kailee rose from her seat, she feigned clumsiness, knocking over a glass of wine that drenched Garrett.
“Oh, I’m so sorry’” she cried out, reaching for a napkin to help clean up the mess. But Garrett stopped her.
“No need, I’ll just head to the restroom to freshen up.” He whispered a few words to Laney before excusing himself.
Once he was gone, all eyes turned to Laney, filled with curiosity, disdain, and contempt. Their gazes were judgmental, as they harbored a deep dislike for those without power or influence.
Aware of Laney’s humble background and believing she had somehow seduced Garrett, Kailee sought to humiliate her further. She asked pointedly, “Garrett never shared your love story with us. Mrs.
Harding, would you care to enlighten us?”
Egged on by Kailee’s inquiry, the others chimed in with their own questions.
Under the scrutinizing gaze of the gathering, Laney unapologetically shared her past. “I was once a bodyguard. It was only when I was employed by Natalie, the lady of the White family, that I accidentally encountered Garrett.” The crowd’s eyes narrowed with scorn, surveying Laney as if she were filth beneath their shoes.
Feigning shock, Kailee inquired, “A bodyguard? Surely, you mean a servant?”
Laughter erupted from the audience, clearly sharing the sentiment.
Yet, Laney remained unperturbed, sitting composed in her chair.
Witnessing Laney’s tranquil demeanor despite the public ridicule, Kailee’s displeasure grew as she continued to mock, “As I recall, Natalie was raised by a servant. Fortuitously, she returned to the White family and wed the CEO of the Larson Group. However, her reputation has always been quite dubious. It must have been quite the task to be her bodyguard.”
Laney’s face darkened at the sarcastic remark. Coldly, she glared at Kailee and questioned, “What are you implying?”
“Nothing, just curious,” Kailee nonchalantly replied, sipping her wine. “After all, you’re the only former bodyguard present. I’m simply curious about the role, especially for someone with a tarnished reputation like Natalie. Were you assisting her in evading the discovery of her infidelities and eluding the p**ss?”
“Ha-ha.” Chuckles filled the room, with someone snickering, “No wonder Natalie needs a bodyguard.”
The derision intensified, their words growing crueler.
Laney’s exp**ssion shifted drastically. While she could bear their comments about herself, she would not stand for them slandering Natalie. “Hold your t***ues! Natalie is the lady of the White family and the wife of the Larson Group’s CEO. If they learn of your disrespect, they won’t let it slide!”
The conversation halted abruptly. As prominent families in Barnes, the White family and the Larson Group were not to be trifled with.
Kailee was slightly mortified, as she too could not afford to provoke them. Hastily, she attempted to defuse the situation, “We were just joking Don’t take it to heart.”
But Laney’s icy stare suggested otherwise. “Such jests are in poor taste. Mind your manners.”
With that, she pushed back her chair and spun around to leave, eager to escape the wretched atmosphere.
Noticing Laney’s brusque exit, a malicious glint appeared in Kailee’s eyes. Stealthily, she extended her foot in an attempt to trip her.
In her fury, Laney didn’t notice the obstruction and stumbled, nearly falling!
At that moment, Garrett caught her, cradling her off-balance form in his arms.
“Darling, are you alright?” asked Garrett with concern.
Laney’s face paled, but she clutched her belly and shook her head. “I’m fine.”
Garrett was infuriated that his wife had been tormented in his brief absence. His exp**ssion darkened as he declared, “How dare you bully my wife?”
The previously jovial room fell silent, the temperature dropping.
No one dared to cross Garrett. Kailee hadn’t anticipated Garrett’s return or his fury.
Nervously, she forced a smile and stammered, “We were just… joking. We meant nothing by it.”
Garrett cut her off icily, “My wife is not here for your amusement.”
Kailee’s face turned ashen, her hands involuntarily clenching as her nails dug into her flesh.
She hadn’t foreseen Garrett’s staunch defense of Laney, nor his willingness to sever lies with everyone over a few words, disregarding their former fellowship.
“You can exclude me from such gatherings in the future.”
