Jessica stood before Rhea , the weight of the crowds gaze pressing down upon her.Hugh lingered nearby , his scowl deepening , uncertainty flickering across his face . He couldnt guess what Rhea had in mind . Rheas lips twisted into a smile that didnt quite reach her eyes , her gaze cold and calculating . Before we go any further , youll answer one question . Answer wrong , and there will be consequences . Jessica met her stare with an unblinking calm , her expression unreadable . Rhea hadnt changed- still too spineless to acknowledge their past in front of all these people . Ask away , she replied , her voice steady . Rheas eyes gleamed with malice , the corners of her mouth tightening . What did you say to my husband outside ? Jessicas brow furrowed , a flicker of understanding crossing her face . She could already feel the trap being set . Youd do better asking Hugh , she said evenly . Hes the one who dragged me out there . I did ask him . Rheas voice dripped with disdain , her words slicing through the air . He said tried to flirt with him . Is that true ? A murmur rippled through the crowd , whispers of disbelief and curiosity rising . you Jessicas eyes flashed , but she didnt get the chance to defend herself before Rhea pointed at her , accusing her loudly . This is Jessica Scott , the woman who betrayed Hugh five years ago . Her treason came to light on the day of their wedding ! The room fell into a stunned silence , then erupted into whispers and mutters . Eyes turned to Jessica , some filled with judgment , others filled with curiosity . Jessicas face tightened . So , this was Rheas plan to drag up the past , to paint her as the villain . She had expected this , prepared for it . And now , even after everything , she still tries to seduce my husband ! Rheas voice rang through the room , sharp and accusatory . The crowds murmurs grew louder , their judgment clear . A few voices called for Jessica to leave , their words cutting through the air like a blade . Jessicas fists clenched at her sides . Rhea had played her hand well , and Jessica could feel the heat of her own fury rising , smoldering just beneath the surface . I didnt try anything with him , Jessica snapped , her voice rising in defiance . Bring him up here and let him tell everyone himself . 1/3 Rheas lips curled into a cold smile , a laugh slipping past her teeth . Youve already lost . your chance . Her voice was a razors edge . I warned you . Answer wrong , and theres a punishment . Before Jessica could respond , Rhea reached for a glass of wine with swift , practiced motions , and with a flick of her wrist , hurled it at Jessicas face . Jessica didnt have time to react . The cold liquid splashed across her , soaking her from head to toe . Her eyes slammed shut instinctively as the chill crawled over her skin , shivers running down . her spine . The room fell utterly still . No one dared move , their eyes locked on the two women . The silence . was thick , as if time itself had paused . In the corner . Charles stood frozen , his eyes darkening . His gaze never left Jessica , who now stood soaked and stunned . Was this what she had come here for ? He didnt move , his curiosity piqued . He wanted to see how she would handle this . Jessicas body trembled , but it wasnt the cold that shook her . For a moment , she was back at that wedding five years ago where Rhea had humiliated her in front of everyone . The sting of it returned in full force . Her anger flared , sudden and fierce . She opened her eyes , the fire of rage burning in her gaze , hot and wild . Rhea froze , taken aback by the intensity of Jessicas response . For a brief , shocking moment , she stood still , caught off guard . Jessica moved with purpose , each step deliberate , her eyes locked on Rhea . Rhea was jolted from her daze only when Jessica stood before her , close enough to feel the weight of her words . With a voice low and venomous , Jessica leaned in , her breath grazing Rheas ear . I heard youre pregnant . But the child in your womb isnt Hughs . Rheas pupils expanded , then constricted , her face paling as if Jessica had shattered a carefully constructed illusion . A cold wave of panic surged through her , and without a second thought , she shoved Jessica away , her hands shaking with the force of her response . Get away from me ! she hissed , her voice trembling with fear . Caught off guard , Jessica stumbled back , her balance lost . She crashed into the towering cake , sending it toppling with a sickening crash . The thick , sticky frosting splattered across her face and gown , dragging her down with it . A collective gasp rose from the crowd , the room suddenly tense . Guests recoiled , avoiding the mess in a flurry of movement . Hugh , unable to remain detached any longer , shot a venomous glance at Jessica . Without hesitation , he stalked onto the stage , his broad frame moving protectively in front of Rhea . Security surged forward , ready to haul Jessica away , but just before they could reach her , a voice -cold and commanding halted them . Everyone turned . A man stepped forward , his presence heavy , as though he carried the weight of the room with every stride . The crowd parted instinctively , the guards faltering in their steps , unsure of how to proceed . Jessica , still kneeling on the floor , looked up to see him standing over her . His gaze was sharp , piercing . A familiar chill ran through her . She could stand strong just a moment ago , but seeing him seemed to have stripped away all her layers of protection . Now , she felt like an abandoned kitten . She managed a smile , fragile and strained . Hensley … Im sorry . Ive made a mess of things . Charles glanced at her briefly , his eyes unreadable , then turned his attention to Rhea . His voice , smooth and deliberate , sliced through the tension . Shes with me . You should have asked before you acted . His words were measured , his tone neutral , but the icy edge in his voice made it clear . A warning . The crowd shifted uncomfortably , sensing the subtle power in his words . Jessica wasnt just anyone she was Charles companion , and Rhea had made the mistake of humiliating her in front of him . Rhea , suddenly aware of her blunder , felt a knot of fear tighten in her chest under Charless unwavering gaze . She hesitated , the ground beneath her feet feeling unstable . Uncle Charles … she began , but her voice faltered . Charless gaze turned even colder . Dont call me that . I cant stand it . Rhea went pale , the words dying in her throat . She swallowed , her lips pressed tightly together , unable to respond . Hugh , scrambling to salvage the situation , spoke quickly . Uncle Charles , Rhea didnt mean to- Charles silenced him with a single glance icy , dismissive . Without another word , he bent down , lifted Jessica effortlessly , and turned on his heel , walking away with her in his arms . Send Gifts