---- Chapter 1 As soon as I finished speaking, the students and parents seated below erupted in whispers, shooting judgmental and disdainful glances my way. "Who does she think she is? So disrespectful." "She's clearly jealous of Mrs. Crawford and desperate for Mr. Crawford's attention. With him running a billion-dollar company, it's hardly surprising that some women fantasize about becoming his mistress." "Absolutely shameless." When Samuel Crawford spotted me from the stage, a flash of panic crossed his face, though he concealed it well. Monica Sterling, on the other ---- hand, could not maintain her composure. She put on a show of indignation and hurt. "Sam, what exactly is she implying?" lignored her theatrics and kept my focus on Samuel. "Mr. Crawford, you still haven't answered my question." Samuel instinctively adjusted his glasses before pulling Monica and her son into an embrace for everyone to witness. "This is my answer to you." Monica's eyes filled with emotion as she deepened the embrace without hesitation. The crowd below erupted with sounds of admiration. "Now that's true love! He's flaunting their happiness in public!" "Mr. Crawford is truly the perfect man! Who'd expect such a wealthy man to turn out to be so devoted to his wife and son!" ---- Their looks toward me grew even more contemptuous. "Tried to stir up trouble and got put in your place, didn't you?" "How dare she even compare herself to Mrs. Crawford? Everyone knows Mrs. Crawford holds an executive position at Luminous Enterprise and is Mr. Crawford's capable partner. Some opportunistic mistress could never measure up!" Just then, my phone vibrated with a message from Samuel. "Claire, don't misunderstand. I promised Monica I'd pretend to be Milo's father for a day. The boy has never had a father-it's quite sad. "But you not only ignored my wishes, but you're even humiliating me in public. Stop making a scene." I could not suppress a cold smile. He was merely a