Choose Her, Choose Failure

As soon as I finished speaking, the students and parents seated below erupted in whispers, shooting judgmental and disdainful glances my way.

"Who does she think she is? So disrespectful."

"She's clearly jealous of Mrs. Crawford and desperate for Mr. Crawford's attention. With him running a billion-dollar company, it's hardly surprising that some women fantasize about becoming his mistress."

"Absolutely shameless."

When Samuel Crawford spotted me from the stage, a flash of panic crossed his face, though he concealed it well. Monica Sterling, on the other hand, could not maintain her composure.

She put on a show of indignation and hurt. "Sam, what exactly is she implying?"

I ignored her theatrics and kept my focus on Samuel. "Mr. Crawford, you still haven't answered my question."

Samuel instinctively adjusted his glasses before pulling Monica and her son into an embrace for everyone to witness.

"This is my answer to you."

Monica's eyes filled with emotion as she deepened the embrace without hesitation. The crowd below erupted with sounds of admiration.

"Now that's true love! He's flaunting their happiness in public!"

"Mr. Crawford is truly the perfect man! Who'd expect such a wealthy man to turn out to be so devoted to his wife and son!"

Their looks toward me grew even more contemptuous.

"Tried to stir up trouble and got put in your place, didn't you?"

"How dare she even compare herself to Mrs. Crawford? Everyone knows Mrs. Crawford holds an executive position at Luminous Enterprise and is Mr. Crawford's capable partner. Some opportunistic mistress could never measure up!"

Just then, my phone vibrated with a message from Samuel.

"Claire, don't misunderstand. I promised Monica I'd pretend to be Milo's father for a day. The boy has never had a father—it's quite sad.

"But you not only ignored my wishes, but you're even humiliating me in public. Stop making a scene."

I could not suppress a cold smile. He was merely a son-in-law who married into the Beck family, and whether he could continue living off our wealth depended entirely on my approval.

Luminous Enterprise was founded by my grandfather, and I now controlled 75% of its shares.

I quickly messaged the HR and legal departments at Luminous Enterprise. Today, I would strip him of his position as general manager in front of everyone!

My daughter, Kaylee Beck, angrily spoke up as she was unable to bear the insults directed at me.

"That's nonsense! Samuel Crawford is my father, and my mom is his real wife! That woman is the mistress!"

The others burst into laughter, their tones growing increasingly mocking.

"Like mother, like daughter. She's so young yet she's already trying to climb the social ladder with such devious intentions!"

"Mr. Crawford is publicly showing his affection. How could their family of three possibly be fake?"

Milo, who had come down from the stage, suddenly rushed over and glared at Kaylee. "Who are you calling a mistress? You and your mother are desperate to take our place, aren't you? How pathetic!"

As he moved to strike her, I swiftly blocked him. My gaze settled on Samuel's face a few steps away.

"Samuel, I'm giving you one last chance. Are you going to explain yourself or not?"