Yara had just arrived at Sherman Villa. The other socialite women were eager to greet her. Their tones were affectionate and tinged with a hint of flattery.
âMrs. Murray, what a pleasant surprise!â
âYes, indeed! Itâs not often we meet you at these gatherings, Mrs. Murray. Please, sit down!â
In the past, Yaraâs poor health had often kept her from attending such social events.
Yara smiled graciously as she explained, âIrwin was concerned about me going out when I was sick.
Iâve been feeling better lately so Iâll be making an effort to get out and about more.â
With those words, the others immediately started to butter her up.
âMr. Murray really dotes on you! Weâre so jealous!â
âThatâs right. Itâs amazing how, after all these years, Mr. Murray is still so sweet and in love with you.â
The only exception to the chirping women was Carmen Garland, decked out in flashy attire, standing off to the side. She let out a disdainful scoff, loud enough for the group to hear.
âMrs. Murray, youâre as cunning as ever when it comes to manipulating men,â she said, her voice dripping with malice. âBut why canât you control your daughter?
âI hear the Quinns want to call off the engagement with the Murrays. You were so humiliated you had Wilson beaten up. But letâs be real, the Quinns are a prestigious family. Why would they want a country bumpkin for a daughterâinâlaw?â
The moment Carmen finished, Yaraâs face darkened. She could tolerate any insults, but no one could criticize her precious daughter!
She roared, âZip it! If I hear you badâmouthing Yvie again, Iâll tear you a new one!â
âWhat did I say thatâs so wrong? Iâm just speaking the truth!â
Carmen had long disliked Yara. Despite coming from an average background, Yara had managed to marry Irwin Murray. Thus, she became the wife of the richest man in Jubilife.
Irwin loved her deeply. His love for her had remained unwavering throughout their marriage.
Moreover, he had always been a paragon of virtue, with no scandals to his name.
And she had given him five sons, each more outstanding than the last.
Meanwhile, Carmenâs husband kept countless mistresses, and despite her age, she still hadnât birthed an heir!
Why was Yara so blessed? It was no surprise Carmen was green with envy. Now that sheâd finally found a chance to mock Yara, she wasnât about to let it slip.
She rattled on, âYvette grew up in the countryside. What else could she be but a country bumpkin?
She should take a good look in the mirror before dreaming about marrying into the Quinn-â
âHow dare you speak ill of my fiancée!â
But before Carmen could say another word, a cold, authoritative voice cut through the air.
The room fell silent as Wilson strode in. His presence alone commanded attention. The once noisy hall fell silent in an instant.
Everyone looked at Wilson in shock, fear spreading across their faces.
Despite most attendees being olderâand thus technically his eldersâno one dared to act superior around him.
As Wilson made his way in, the tension among the group of women grew. It was especially noticeable with Carmen, who had been the one mocking Yvette earlier. The smugness on her face vanished, replaced by a deathly pallor. She was absolutely terrified.
But how could this be? Rumors had already been circulating among the elite families. Wilson was supposedly determined to call off his engagement to Yvette.
They claimed he intended to marry Victoria instead. What was he doing now?
âMrs. Murray,â Wilson greeted Yara with respect, walking over without sparing the others a glance.
âYou⦠What are you doing here?â