Chapter 12 Michael , feeling a sense of goodwill towards the neutral attitude , nodded with a smile and said , " Sorry for the lack of hospitality today . Are you also one of the Brown family's daughters ? " My mom only gave birth to me . " Monica glanced at Stella , her lips still carrying a faint but cold smile . As soon as she spoke , Stella's face changed . Just as she was about to speak , Michael smiled and raised his glass to Monica . Ms. Brown , a toast to you ! * Monica lightly clinked glasses with him . Alexander , who had been ignored by her all along , suddenly looked extremely displeased . She was chatting and laughing with another man right in front of him , not even sparing him a glance . Feeling irritated , he pushed Stella away . Stella noticed the hint of displeasure in his eyes . After all these years , how could she manage to attract his attention ? Stella gritted her teeth in hatred but couldn't lose her temper . She forced a smile and shamelessly said , " Monica , it's okay . Even if you don't consider me your sister , I've always thought of you that way . Alexander brought me here today because Mr. Johnson also invited the internationally renowned designer Helen , who is also a famous doctor . Alexander specifically brought me here to ask Helen to treat my leg . " She deliberately flaunted her special relationship with Alexander in front of Monica , not noticing that Alexander's face had already darkened . He didn't like Stella always creating the illusion that they had some sort of relationship . However , for some reason , he didn't refute her , his gaze fixed on Monica . Monica couldn't ignore the burning gaze and finally looked at him , her eyes filled with icy coldness . She smiled slightly . " Mr. Smith is truly devoted . I wish you both the best of luck . " Alexander was instantly angered by her words and , without much thought , blurted out , " I will naturally get her leg treated . But Ms. Brown , have you forgotten how her leg got injured ? " So he had always firmly believed that she was the one who pushed Stella down the stairs . The tense atmosphere immediately spread , and the surrounding air pressure dropped sharply due to Alexander's increasingly cold demeanor . Michael , who had been watching the drama unfold , suddenly laughed . " Mr. Smith , are you and this Ms. Brown old acquaintances ? " 1/3 2932 am Chapter 12 " No , Alexander instantly denied . For a moment , Monica couldn't describe how she felt , stifled and a bit painful . Seeing this , Stella felt a surge of joy at Alexander's words defending her . It was the perfect time to suppress Monica . She stepped forward , tightly holding Alexander's arm , looking pitiful . " Forget it, Alexander . I no longer blame Monica for what happened back then . I believe she didn't intentionally push me down the stairs . You don't have to keep blaming her because of that . " Immediately , everyone around was shocked . Nine years later , few could recognize today's stunning Monica as the ordinary Monica from before . But at that time , the marriage between the Smith family and the Brown family was a grand affair . Stella's reminder made everyone remember that on the wedding day , everyone heard Monica's angry shout , " So what if you love each other ? I am the true daughter of the Brown family , and only I am qualified to marry Alexander . Who do you think you are ? Go to hell ! " Everyone rushed over and saw Stella rolling down the stairs . No one was aware that Stella had used AI to mimic Monica's voice and played it through a phone . People only believed their eyes , so the incident caused a huge uproar , becoming widely known in Emerald City . Monica became the target of public criticism . Even at the market , no one was willing to sell groceries to her . But for Alexander , she endured everything . For a long time , she always wore a mask when going out . Now , everyone's memories of that time were awakened, and they started pointing at Monica and cursing . " How could you harm your own sister ? How can there be such a vicious woman in the world ? " " No wonder your biological parents don't want you . It's a good thing Mr. Smith divorced you . How could a woman like you deserve him ? " " You're still wearing a dress designed by Nimbus . Do you even deserve it ? " " How dare you show up at an event like this ? Look at your status . You're a disgrace . Get out of here ! You're not welcome ! " Various insults came pouring in , and the scene was almost out of control . However , Monica had no reaction , just coldly looking at the crowd in front of her . Her mind couldn't help but recall the scene from nine years ago . She had heard all kinds of nasty insults before , so this was 2/3 3:32 am PP Chapter 12 nothing . Finally , Michael stepped forward and addressed the crowd . " Everyone , please calm down ! I believe there must be some misunderstanding ! " Monica suddenly turned to look at him with surprise . This was the first person in nine years willing to speak up for her . No matter what his intentions were , Monica's heart , which had long turned cold , was still touched . She smiled slightly at him . Michael nodded in acknowledgment . However , while he managed to quell the public anger , he couldn't stop the murmurs . He wasn't in a hurry and turned to Alexander , smiling faintly . " Mr. Smith , you are indeed devoted , remaining unchanged for so many years . If you can be so devoted to one person , how can you be so heartless to another , especially your ex - wife ? " Alexander didn't look at him , his gaze always on Monica's face , but his words were directed at Michael , his voice icy . " Mr. Johnson , are you trying to boss me around ? " " I wouldn't dare . " His words seemed humble , but his demeanor showed no fear . The tension was palpable .