Chapter 2

Sweat beaded on Nigel's forehead, and his face turned ashen as he clenched his jaw. "Yes, I know you. You're the pathetic loser who's been harassing Ms. Bennett!

"Too bad. You've been throwing yourself at her, yet she doesn't want you. She only has eyes for Mr. Sterling. Do yourself a favor and just give up!"

Nearby, one of the security guards added with a sneer, "So, he's just a shameless boy toy trying to muscle in as the third party. He even has the nerve to show up here and cause trouble for Mr. Serling. Guys, get him out of here!"

As he spoke, he grabbed me by the collar and dragged me off.

I gritted my teeth through the pain and kicked him where it hurt most.

The security guard let out a muffled groan and doubled over, legs clamping together.

I took the chance to break free from his grip.

"Damn it! You've got a death wish!" he roared.

Just as he was about to lunge at me, the door swung open, and heavy, deliberate footsteps approached us.

"What's going on here?" Andrew Sterling asked, impatience written all over his face.

He added, "This celebration is for my newborn son. What are you making a scene for?"

In an instant, everyone lowered their heads respectfully and greeted him.

The guard who had hit me lowered his fist before hurrying over to Andrew.

"Mr. Sterling, you came at the perfect time. This guy kept insisting he owned the place and tried to force his way in," he explained with an obsequious smile. "Even after Nigel exposed him, he refused to leave. When we tried to throw him out, he had the nerve to fight back!"

After hearing what had happened, Andrew lifted his chin and looked down at me.

I stared straight at him. One look was all it took for me to clench my fists. On his wrist was a watch—the very one Leonard had given me for my 18th birthday.

I had always been focused on my research and never cared much for such things, so those luxury items had stayed locked away in the safe at home. Even Josephine had never seen that watch. How could Andrew be wearing it?

I took a deep breath, gritted my teeth, and forced the words out, asking, "Where's Josephine? Get her out here!"

In the next instant, Andrew slapped me hard.

"Who do you think you are, calling my wife by her name?" he asked with a sneer. "Get lost! It's my son's celebration. I don't have time to argue with you."

The blow jolted my head to the side. Blood trickled from my nose, and my face burned with pain.

My eyes were bloodshot with rage as I roared, "I'm her husband!"

Yet, no one believed me, and laughter rippled through the crowd instead.

My eyes darted around, searching desperately.

After I married Josephine, her mother, Monica Lawson, stayed with us. She had always treated me like her own son. If she spoke up, everyone would know who I really was.

Right then, my eyes lit up with joy. "Monica!"

I rushed toward her, relief flooding through me.

But before my fingers even reached the hem of her shirt, she shoved me hard. Caught off guard, I was knocked to the ground, my forehead slamming into the corner of a table.

I hissed in pain.

I hadn't even gotten to my feet when Monica's voice rang out, dripping with contempt. "Don't pretend we are family! I don't have a shameless son-in-law like you! Stop trying to latch onto us!"

I looked up in shock, only to see Monica standing protectively in front of Andrew. Beside her, a housekeeper held a baby.

Monica glared at me. "The Bennetts' son-in-law is the younger brother of Sterling Group's chairman! You're nothing but a mere researcher. How dare you cause trouble here!"

My mind went blank. A moment later, I cried out, "Monica! It's me! Two years ago, when you were hospitalized for surgery and Josephine was away, I stayed with you for over two weeks. Don't you recognize me?"