I didn't look at either of them again. I turned and left.
On the day of the birthday banquet, I arrived at Gilbert Mansion on time.
I deliberately avoided the front hall, planning to wait until the banquet officially began before going in to congratulate Uncle Richard. But I still ran into Ethan and Victoria at the entrance.
He was holding her hand, the two of them walking over side by side.
The moment they appeared, every eye in the vicinity turned to look.
Curiosity. But even more—undisguised mockery.
"Ethan bringing the pregnant Victoria—isn't this just grinding Alex's face into the dirt?"
"I heard she only married into the Gilbert family because she took money. Pitiful, sure, but seven years without getting pregnant and she still wouldn't let go of her position. She brought this on herself."
I took a deep breath and walked past them, my face expressionless. I ignored the whispers. Didn't look at either of them once.
When I reached the banquet hall, I caught a distant glimpse of Chairman Gilbert in the seat of honor. His gaze landed on me, something complicated flickering in his eyes.
I gave a slight nod, then found a corner seat and sat down, quietly waiting for the banquet to end.