Chapter 1 Chapter 1

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?"

Chapter 2 Chapter 2

Samuel frowned at me before responding coldly, "I don't know you, miss. While I pride myself on my civility, I won't tolerate repeated slander against my wife and son. Our company's legal team isn't just for show!" Kaylee puffed up with anger and disbelief. "Dad, what are you saying? You don't recognize me and Mom anymore?" The crowd around us burst into laughter. "Little girl, you're getting carried away with your act. Before Mr. Crawford takes more drastic measures, you should grab your mother and leave. Luminous Enterprise isn't something ordinary people like you can mess with!" Even Kaylee's classmates began to show their disgust. "Kaylee, how can you be so revolting? You seemed so well-mannered, but you're actually so conniving." Kaylee grabbed Samuel's sleeve, pleading to him, "Dad, what's wrong with you? Why are you saying you don't know us? Stand up for me and Mom! Can't you hear how horribly they're talking about Mom?" Samuel roughly shook off our daughter's hand, causin

Chapter 3 Chapter 3

When Samuel heard Kaylee's words, his brow furrowed imperceptibly, and he shot me an accusatory look. My gaze drifted past him toward those who were fawning over the powerful while cursing Kaylee and me with the most venomous words. I looked at each one deliberately, calling them out by name. "The Zimmerman family in the aluminum alloy business, the Muller family in the cement industry, and the Sacha family with their soy processing business..." As I calmly and clearly identified each one, these parents were stunned into silence, because I had named them all correctly. Luminous Enterprise's influence stretched across numerous industries, and all of these people depended on the company's goodwill to make their living. I announced firmly, "Starting today, Luminous Enterprise will terminate all cooperation with you." They were surprised at first, then burst into laughter while crowding around Samuel. "Look at this woman! She has gone completely mad! First, she claimed to be Mr. Cr