While Edith, Amara, and Keith were speaking, Finnian had gone to the entrance to greet guests. He returned around the same time as Emma and happened to hear Edith’s comment. His expression immediately darkened, and he moved as if to step forward.

Mr. Kevin Everly, standing nearby, seemed to anticipate his intention and reached out to stop him. “Don’t do anything rash. Let me handle this.”

Mr. Kevin Everly had agreed to host Finnian’s rehearsal dinner at the Everly family’s old estate, partly to maintain the family’s reputation. So, although he didn’t care much for Emma or Edith, he couldn’t let Finnian lose control in public.

As the groom and the central figure of the evening, it would have been highly inappropriate for Finnian to get involved directly in this kind of conflict.

Yet, seeing Amara being mistreated, Finnian couldn’t stand by and do nothing. Before he could act, Mr. Everly stepped forward and said, “Mrs. Winters, what exactly do you mean by your words—are you insulting our Ama?”

“Ama is a wonderful young woman. Yes, she’s been through some difficult things, but none of that was her fault. Please watch your language. If you continue to speak ill of Ama, then I must ask you to leave. The Everly family does not welcome people

like you.”

As one of the most respected elders in the Wye business community, Mr. Everly’s words were a clear and pointed rebuke. Edith’s face alternated between red and pale.

She simply couldn’t understand why was everyone so eager to defend Amara? Couldn’t they see what kind of person Amara truly was?

Seeing Mr. Everly stand up for Amara, and recalling that he had earlier declared Amara his honorary granddaughter, several guests hoping to win his favor promptly stepped forward. “I think Amara is a wonderful young lady. She’s always polite and carries herself with grace. Ms. Winters, why do you seem to have such a problem with her?”

“Yes, Amara has a child, but she and

Keith never married. They only wanted to share a dance just

now-how is that any of Mrs. Winters business? Isn’t her react

a bit too much?”

“This is Finn’s rehearsal dinner—a happy occasion. Why spoil the atmosphere, Ms. Winters? Can’t we all just relax, enjoy dinner and drinks, and dance together?”

With these people taking the lead, more guests began to speak up for Amara, each voicing her positive qualities.

Amara listened quietly from the side. She knew full well that these people probably didn’t truly believe their own words—they were just trying to please Mr. Everly.

Still, having people speak up for her made her feel much less awkward, and Mr. Everly seemed much more pleased as well.

At that moment, Amelia-who had earlier been dragged away by her mother-in-law -suddenly reappeared.

A vivid red handprint marked her cheek, only partially concealed by makeup. With her eyes full of malice, she looked both bitter and alarming, instantly capturing everyone’s attention.

“So what?” Amelia snapped. “Was Mrs. Winters wrong?”

“The child Amara is carrying has questionable.origins. Getting pregnant out of wedlock says everything about her

character-she’s an immoral women. So what’s

wrong with

Winters criticizing her a little?”

Earlier, after being pulled away and slapped by her mother-in-law, Amelia had intended to keep quiet But then her sister-in-law came over and berated her again. When her mother in law heard that, became even angrier and slapped Amelia once more-this time in front of others. That was the final straw.

Ignoring all attempts to stop her, Amelia burst back into the room and unleashed her tirade.