Taking a deep breath, Bet’s voice softened but remained stern.


    “We’re no longer engaged.


    I kept our breakup private out of respect for the Crawford family.


    If you persist in creating scenes, I won’t hesitate to go public and expose your actions.


    ”


    With that, he forcefully shook off Joann’s hand and warned, “Also, keep your distance.


    I’m going to investigate the past incidents.


    If it turns out you’ve deceived me, the Crawford family will face the consequences.


    ”


    Bet’s implications were clear, and Joann, stunned by his resolve, staggered back against the wall, her forehead beaded with sweat.


    Without a backward nce, Bet turned and walked away, his decision final.


    Joann,cking the courage to follow, could only watch as Ste and Bet disappeared into the distance.


    Her nails dug into her palms, the pain a faint echo of the anguish and resentment brewing within her.


    Tears began to fall as she grappled with her emotions.


    Lindsay emerged from the shadows after the others had left, finding Joann crouched and vulnerable on the ground.


    Despite inwardly rejoicing, she feigned concern.


    “Joann, are you okay?”


    Joann pursed her lips, her eyes gleaming with undisguised hatred as she watched Ste’s retreating figure.


    Following her gaze, Lindsay sighed.


    “Ste is so lucky.


    She always has men standing up for her, not just Matthew, but Niki and Bet did the same at your engagement party.


    ”


    She patted Joann’s shoulder, her voiceden with feigned sympathy.


    “I think you’d better steer clear of Ste.


    I’m really afraid you’ll end up disliked by everyone, just like me.


    ”


    Reflecting on Ste’s harsh words, Joann felt the sting of humiliation as if she had been physically pped.Original from N?velDrama.Org.


    Her expression turned fierce, and through gritted teeth, she hissed, “I’m not intimidated by someone like her.


    She won’t be happy for long.


    I have my ways to handle this bitch!”


    As soon as Bet settled into his car, he urgently called his butler.


    “You need to immediately retrieve my uncle’s stored blood for a paternity test.


    Do it without informing my grandparents-this must be kept under wraps.


    Get me the results at your earliest convenience.


    ”


    The butler responded, aware of the gravity of the request, “It will take at least three hours to transfer the sample from Bysea.


    ”


    “That’s immaterial,” Bet replied crisply.


    “Just proceed without dy.


    ”


    Ste had been engrossed in preparations for her brand’s Launch recently, while Matthew had also been swamped with work, leaving them just the evenings to catch up.


    Spotting him still buried in his work in the car, Ste asked, “Have you had lunch? You’re so busy, I told you that you didn’t have toe to pick me up.


    ”


    “I’m leaving on a business trip for at least three days,” Matthew exined, trying to seize the moment with her.


    “I can spare the time for you now.


    ”


    Ste chuckled, a hint of mischief in her voice.


    “You’ve traveled before.


    Why are you so clingy this time?”


    Matthew shut hisptop and set it aside, pulling Ste into his embrace.