Chapter 2

The applause for Jessica' s hypocritical speech died down. A Q&A session began.

This was my chance.

I walked to one of the microphones set up for audience questions, Lily trailing nervously behind me.

My hand was steady as I took the mic.

"Ms. Miller," I began, my voice cutting through the polite hum of the room.

Jessica looked up, her smile faltering slightly as she recognized me. David tensed beside her.

"A very inspiring speech on family values," I continued, my voice amplified. "I just have one question. Since when did you have another son? And, more importantly, does your actual husband know about this cozy arrangement?"

A wave of murmurs rippled through the crowd.

Heads turned. Eyes, cold and disdainful, fixed on me.

"Who is this rude guy?" someone whispered loudly.

"He' s probably just jealous of Innovate Solutions' success," another voice sneered. "Trying to get Ms. Miller's attention. Pathetic."

"Looks like a gold-digger," a woman sniffed.

Jessica' s face flushed, then quickly hardened into a mask of composure.

David Carter puffed up his chest, feigning outrage. "How dare you interrupt Ms. Miller!"

"I' m waiting for an answer, Jessica," I said, my gaze unwavering.

She took a slow breath, subtly adjusted her hair, a small, defiant gesture.

Then, she reached out and took David Carter' s hand, holding it up for everyone to see.

"This," she declared, her voice ringing with false bravado, "is my answer."

The crowd erupted.

Not in outrage at her, but in "awws" and cheers.

"So brave!"

"True love always finds a way!"

"What a power couple!"

The disdainful looks towards me intensified. "Loser." "Trying to sabotage them." "He can't handle her success."

I felt Lily squeeze my hand tighter, her small body trembling.