Everyone's gaze focused on the open door. Christopher stood there, in full view, dressed in a suit, pushing a frail woman in a
wheelchair.
"Bella, who is that woman in the wheelchair?" Justin asked, looking puzzled.
"She is Lance's wife and Christopher's mother," Bella replied, her brows furrowed as she looked at Mrs. Iverson.
Justin's eyes narrowed slightly as he vaguely remembered seeing Christopher's mother once at Celeste's birthday banquet.
Under her son's careful grooming, Mrs. Iverson appeared elegant and noble at that time. Though ill, she still had a beautiful
appearance and an extraordinary temperament, reminiscent of a wealthy lady from years past.
However, this time, her condition had clearly deteriorated. Her temples were gray, and her cheeks were sunken. Despite the
warmth of the banquet hall, she still needed a blanket draped over her shoulders. Her face showed discomfort under the
strangers' gazes.
The Iverson father and son were shocked. Especially Lance, who was looking at his long-abandoned wife from a distance. He
felt a mix of anger and resentment. He knew exactly what Christopher intended. Now that his son had gained a prominent
position in the Iverson family, his first priority was to make up for his mother's suffering and restore her lost dignity.
But this woman's betrayal was vivid in his mind. No one could erase that. Christopher's public appearance with this woman was
a blatant test of Lance's limits, a deliberate provocation. It also indicated one thing, although his fourth son was trying to please
him in every way, Christopher had his own agenda.
"Dad, what Christopher is doing is outrageous and selfish!" James gritted his teeth, glaring at Christopher and his mother.
"Bringing this crazy woman here is a deliberate attempt to embarrass our family. Just when that scandal was finally laid to rest,
she showed up again, bringing it all back. Christopher claims to respect you, but he clearly does not care about your reputation.
This punk is too cunning!" Lance's expression grew even darker.
At this moment, the surrounding guests looked at Mrs. Iverson with surprise, whispering among themselves.
"Is this the infamous Mrs. Iverson? How did she become so haggard? She does not look like a wealthy lady at all. She looks just
like a dried-up old hag!"
"She seems to have some mental issues..."
"I heard she was abandoned by the Iverson family and left to fend for herself in Sentania for years, living a miserable life. It is no
wonder she has mental problems!"
"One day of marriage is worth a hundred days of grace. Chairman Iverson is too heartless!"
"Chris..." Mrs. Iverson trembled, clutching Christopher's sleeve. "I do not like this kind of place. Let's go home, shall we?"
"Mom, don't be scared. I'm here," Christopher whispered gently into her ear. "Look, Bella is here too."
Mrs. Iverson followed her son's gaze and saw Bella standing there gracefully. A joyous smile slowly formed on her withered face,
and her dull eyes brightened. Suddenly, she called out. "Bella! Bella!" Everyone's eyes instantly focused on Bella. As Christopher
pushed Mrs. Iverson toward her, Bella momentarily held her breath but managed to maintain a gentle and polite smile.
"Mrs. Iverson, long time no see. How have you been recently?" Bella asked.
Justin's large hand gripped Bella's waist. His fingers turned white, and the veins on the back of his hand popped out prominently.
He stared unblinkingly at Christopher, his dark eyes barely containing his rage. Christopher adjusted his glasses and met his
gaze, a mocking look evident in his eyes.
"Bella, I've missed you so much..." Mrs. Iverson, stimulated by her surroundings, clung to Bella's hand "Have you been busy
lately? Why haven't you come to see Chris? Did you two have a fight? Did Chris make you angry? Bella, don't be angry with
Chris. You mean so much to him!"
The surrounding guests gossiped even more. Although Mrs. Iverson's words were innocent, they sounded quite ambiguous to
others.
"Does it seem like Ms. Thompson has some history with Mr. Iverson?"
"Could Bella's ex be Christopher? Haha... This is quite a show tonight, isn't it?"
"Then what about Mr. Salvador? Is he just a rebound, or a poacher?"
"This Ms. Thompson is quite adept at handling men. The noble scions of Savrow are all under her spell. If Mr. Hoffman joins in,
they can play a game of poker."
The rumors grew more and more unpleasant.
Bella's expression remained indifferent. With happiness in her slander, treating it as mere nonsense. But Justin could not tolerate
it. His eyes flashed with rage as he glanced coldly at the gossiping guests.
Suddenly, a clear, melodious, yet angry voice rang out.
"I won't allow you to speak about my sister-in-law like that! She only loves my second brother and has only ever been with him!
You know nothing about her, so how dare you say such things?"