Chapter 185 I Can, Others Can't
The Wellington family banquet went on as usual, but with Ada taken away by Evelyn, the mood was a bit off.
Jessica had dressed up to impress Ada, but with her gone, all her efforts were wasted. She blamed Evelyn for ruining her plans.
Outside the banquet hall, Edward stood by the window, looking intense and brooding as he watched the Rolls-Royce drive away. His fists were clenched, and he was clearly upset.
"Edward, I hate to say it, but it looks like Ms. Taylor outsmarted us this time," Bart said nervously, wiping his sweat. "All the trending topics are about KS now, and our hotel's reputation is taking a hit. People are questioning our quality because of what happened tonight."
Edward kept staring at the disappearing taillights, his voice hoarse, "Why the change in how you address her? You always call her Mrs. Wellington."
Bart sighed, "When she's not causing trouble, she's Mrs. Wellington. When she is, she's Ms. Taylor."
"It doesn't matter," Edward said, taking a deep breath. "I'm not that mad. Evelyn's always been like this."
Bart was surprised by Edward's calmness. Usually, he was furious when dealing with Evelyn. This time, despite the chaos, he seemed unusually composed.
"But how did Evelyn get in? The security was tight, and everyone needed an invitation," Edward wondered.
"I heard the surveillance system had a brief malfunction before she came in. We think it might have been a hacker or a virus," Bart explained.
Edward frowned, thinking, 'Could Evelyn have done this? Or did one of her brothers help her?'
Just then, Jessica's voice interrupted his thoughts. She ran up to him, clearly upset. "Evelyn's outrageous! She took Ada right in front of you, totally disrespecting you!"
Edward didn't even look at her. "You don't know her. She's always been like this, never caring about me."
"Edward, what are you talking about?" Jessica asked, confused.
"But I don't care," Edward said coldly, turning to Jessica. "However, Miss Clark, your actions tonight puzzled me."
The way he called her "Miss Clark" felt like a stab to Jessica's heart. She realized he was distancing himself from her.
"This is the Wellington family's banquet, and I'm here. It shouldn't be you standing up for us," Edward said.
"But Edward, I was just trying to help!" Jessica clung to his arm. "Are we just going to let her take Ada and make us a laughingstock? She's too arrogant, just because she's your ex-wife?"
Jessica panicked, realizing she might have said too much.
Edward's brow twitched, his face turning icy. "I've been married. That's no secret. But Evelyn is my ex-wife. Who told you?"
"Eric said it!" Jessica lied.
"Was it Debra?" Edward pressed.
Jessica bit her lip.
"The matters between Evelyn and me are private. She's moved on, so don't bring up our past again," Edward's voice was deep and stern.
Jessica's heart pounded, her hatred growing. 'Is he defending Evelyn?'
"Ada's gone. If you don't want to perform tonight, I can send you back to the Clark family," Edward said, pulling his arm away and walking off without looking back.
Bart gave Jessica a contemptuous glance, wondering if she was really Eric's sister.
"Edward! Edward Wellington!" Jessica called out.
Edward didn't stop until she called his full name.
"Are you defending Evelyn because you love her?" Jessica's voice cracked with anger.
"No, I don't love her," Edward replied quickly, as if delaying would reveal something hidden.
"Then why defend her? She mocks you, takes what's yours, and ruins your banquet! She's rotten to the core. Why?" Jessica's tone became hysterical.
Edward turned, his gaze cold and almost inhuman, freezing Jessica in place.
"We were married. Is there a problem with me showing her some kindness?" he said.
Jessica felt as if struck by lightning, her cheeks pale.
"Even if I don't love her, she was still my woman. Only I have the right to speak about her, no one else," Edward said.
The night sky began to drizzle.
Molly had sneaked out of Riverside Villa, clutching a teddy bear. She walked through the wind and rain, finally catching a taxi.
By the time she arrived at the Wellington family's hotel, her dress was soaked, but the teddy bear was dry.
With severe social anxiety, she sneaked in through the back door, avoiding the elegantly dressed guests.
"Stop right there!" a guard shouted.
Molly froze, her heart pounding. She felt like a thief.
Two security guards approached, looking at her with disdain. Seeing her disheveled appearance, they showed contempt.
"There's an important banquet here tonight. No unrelated persons allowed!"
"I want to see Ada. Please, just for a moment," Molly pleaded.
"No way! No invitation, no entry. Get out!" the guard said harshly, reaching out to shoo her away.
"Do you even know where you are? This isn't a place for poor students like you! Get lost!"
Molly, determined, bit her lip and hugged the teddy bear tightly. She took a few steps back and ran towards the guards.
But the frail Molly was easily grabbed and thrown out, along with the teddy bear.
She closed her eyes in panic, but instead of hitting the ground, she landed in a solid, familiar embrace.
