Chapter 1

As soon as I finished speaking, the students and parents sitting below began to murmur among themselves while casting strange and contemptuous glances my way.

"Who's this guy? He's so rude."

"I think he's jealous of Mr. Ritter and trying to get Ms. Webster's attention. She owns a company worth tens of billions of dollars, so it's not surprising she has a few delusional fanboys trying to become side pieces."

"How shameless of him!"

On the podium, Jana Webster's expression flickered with panic when she saw me, but she hid it well.

Barton Ritter, however, couldn't contain himself. He put on a look of feigned anger and grievance.

"Jana, what does he mean by this?"

I turned a blind eye to this and just looked at Jana. "Ms. Webster, you haven't answered my question yet."

Jana subconsciously brushed the stray hair from her forehead and gripped Barton's hand tightly in front of everyone. "This is my answer."

Barton's eyes flickered with emotion as he unhesitatingly hugged her tightly.

The people below erupted in a chorus of "wow".

"True love really does exist! And they're showing it off for the whole world."

"Ms. Webster is truly the ideal woman. Not only is she a powerful career woman, but she's also so devoted to her husband and son. Absolutely amazing!"

Their gazes turned even more disdainful toward me.

"Got exposed trying to stir up trouble in their relationship, huh?"

"He looks like a kept man, yet he still dares to compare himself to Mr. Ritter? Everyone knows Mr. Ritter holds a key position at Brighton Group and is Ms. Webster's right-hand man. So, how could some loser like him ever measure up?"

Just then, my phone vibrated. It was a message from Jana.

"Lamont, don't get this the wrong way. I agreed to play Trenton's mother for a day at Barton's request. The poor kid grew up without a mom.

"You, on the other hand, not only disobeyed me but also embarrassed me in public. You'd better stop this right now."

I couldn't help but chuckle coldly.

Jana had always been strong-willed, which was why after marrying her, I did everything to support her career. I arranged for her to become general manager while I stabilized things behind the scenes.

But now, she seemed to have forgotten who was really in charge.

Brighton Group was founded by my grandfather, Chadwick Haynes, and I owned 75% of the shares.

I quickly messaged the HR and legal departments of Brighton Group. I was going to remove Jana from the position of general manager in front of everyone today.

My daughter, Leah Haynes, couldn't stand seeing others insult me and started arguing angrily, "What are you people talking about? The woman on stage is my mom, and my dad is her real husband. That guy is the homewrecker!"

The others immediately burst into laughter, their tone growing more mocking.

"Like father, like daughter. So young and already trying to climb the social ladder. How twisted!"

"Ms. Webster showed her affection in public, so how could their happy family of three be fake?"

Trenton Ritter, who had just come down from the podium, suddenly rushed over and glared viciously at Leah.

"Who are you calling a homewrecker? Are you and your dad that desperate for a power grab? Have you no shame at all?"

With that, he tried to hit her. But I intercepted him without hesitation. My gaze fell on Jana, who stood just a few steps away.

"Jana, I'm giving you one last chance. Are you still not going to explain?"