Chapter 3

The crowd burst into an uproar.

"No wonder that Mrs. Bassett's handwriting was so terrible! I was thinking—how could a Reindan not know how to write their own name in Reindese?"

"And come to think of it, wasn't it odd that no one from the Schindler family showed up at their wedding? That struck me as strange at the time."

"The whole wedding was so shabby for someone marrying into wealth. I heard it was just a few friends, no grandeur at all. I remember thinking, 'Why would the son of the richest family have such a low-key ceremony?'"

Mrs. Bassett dabbed at her eyes with a silk scarf, her tears glistening as she sobbed pitifully. "The marriage between the Schindler and Bassett families was meant to be dignified and discreet. I didn't want any fanfare—it could've affected my father's reputation. And yet now, it's become fuel for everyone to slander me..." She paused, her voice trembling. "But no matter what I say, none of you will believe me. You'd rather trust the words of this stranger."

She turned her teary gaze toward me, her tone shifting to one of accusation. "Or have you been secretly coveting my husband? Are you trying to ruin my name and drive me out of this family? Young lady, do you even understand what reputation means to a woman?"

Her voice cracked with desperation as she declared, "I see there's no way to clear my name except through death!" With that, she staggered toward the glass door, intending to hurl herself against it.

A collective gasp rose from the crowd.

"What are you doing, darling? Don't be foolish over some nonsense spouted by a stranger!" Cain cried as he caught her just in time, pulling her into his arms. Mrs. Bassett collapsed against him, weeping uncontrollably, her frail figure trembling.

His face darkened with rage as he barked, "Security! Arrest this woman for spreading rumors and slandering my wife's name! I'll make her regret setting foot here!"

Just as the guards lunged toward me, Hailey broke free from their grip and shielded me with her body. But her defiance was short-lived; two burly guards struck her down with brutal force. Another pinned her to the ground, delivering slap after slap to her face.

"Where did this crazy girl come from?" one guard sneered, his voice dripping with disdain. "How dare you cause trouble at the Bassett residence?"

Two more guards moved toward me, but I quickly grabbed a pen from my pocket and pressed its point against my neck.

"Anyone who dares come closer will regret it," I said through gritted teeth. "I'm the real Mary Schindler. My father will be back in three days. If anything happens to me, let's see how you all explain yourselves then!"

The guards hesitated. They glanced nervously at Cain, who stood fuming.

Cain's face turned a menacing shade of red. "If I let you off without punishment, everyone will think the Bassett family is easy to bully. How dare you tarnish my wife's reputation? Get her! If something happens, I'll take full responsibility!"

They surged forward, their strength overwhelming. The pen slipped from my hand as they twisted my arms behind my back. A sharp pain radiated from my wrist, and I felt a warm trickle of blood on my neck where the pen had nicked me.

"You're just a girl—how dare you cause trouble here?" one guard spat, shoving me roughly.

I struggled against them, glaring at Cain. "You lay a finger on me, and my father will make you regret it. I'm not lying—she's the one impersonating me!"

Cain's expression twisted with cruelty. "We'll see if your father can save you in time. Hit her! Let's make her think twice before spreading slander again!"

"No! This is too much—hitting a young girl like this?" someone in the crowd murmured.

"Record it! Post it online! Let everyone see how the Bassett family abuses their power!"

"Shouldn't someone call the police?" another voice chimed in.

"I can't bear to watch. That girl looks so delicate—this is unbearable!"

The guards tightened their grip as one of them slapped me hard across the face. A sharp sting spread over my cheek, and I felt the swelling start immediately.

"Don't hurt her!" Hailey cried, her pale face filled with desperation.

They stuffed something into my mouth to silence me, and I could only let out muffled cries.

Cain's gaze was as cold as ice. "She needs to learn her lesson. Keep hitting her!"

The guards raised their hands again, their palms poised to strike. I braced myself, knowing there was no escape.

But before the blows could land, a thunderous voice cut through the chaos.

"Stop! I wanna see who dares lay a hand on my daughter!"