Chapter 6

Claire's POV

I appeared in the banquet hall on Sebastian's arm.

Reporters' cameras focused on us.

Someone boldly asked a question.

"Mr. White, recent rumors say Isabelle has returned to the country. Will this affect the relationship between the White and Hart families?"

Sebastian's hand at my waist suddenly tightened.

He faced the cameras with a smile.

"The relationship between the White and Hart families depends entirely on my wife. Without her, there would be no current cooperation."

I cooperatively turned my head to gaze lovingly at Sebastian.

"This is my duty as Mrs. White."

We completed a perfect display of affection before the cameras.

Directly blocking rumors about divorce.

Flashbulbs went crazy.

At an angle no one could see, Sebastian's fingers lightly caressed my waist.

That was some kind of reward signal.

Connor tugged at my dress hem, muttering quietly.

"Mom, I'm hungry."

I looked down at my son, my heart softening.

"Be good, go to the back lounge."

I called over the nanny and crouched down to straighten Connor's bow tie.

"When it's over, I will take you for late-night snacks. We'll get your favorite strawberry cake."

Connor's eyes brightened. He obediently followed the nanny.

Watching my son's small figure disappear through the side door, I was about to stand when I caught something unusual in my peripheral vision.

The side door was originally assigned two security personnel.

Now, it was empty.

White family security never made such basic mistakes.

Unless someone deliberately drew them away.

"What's wrong?"

Sebastian noticed my stiffness and looked at me.

"Nothing."

I suppressed the unease in my heart, though my fingers unconsciously gripped my clutch tighter.

On stage, the host was passionately introducing.

"Next, please welcome Mr. Sebastian White and Mrs. White to the stage for remarks!"

Spotlights instantly hit us.

Thunderous applause.

Sebastian gallantly extended his hand. I took a deep breath and placed my hand in his palm.

Just as we stepped onto the stairs.

Sudden chaos erupted.

A white figure rapidly broke through the security line.

Isabelle wore an old-fashioned white gown, the hem yellowed, looking shabby and pathetic.

She stumbled and fell heavily at the edge of the stage.

Thump.

Through the microphone, this dull sound was amplified countless times.

Hundreds of eyes, dozens of cameras, instantly moved from us to focus on this intruder.

Isabelle lay on the ground, shoulders trembling, looking as fragile as wet paper.

She slowly lifted her head, that face pale as a ghost, but tears hung perfectly on her lashes.

She looked at Sebastian, her gaze mournful.

"Sebastian..."

Her voice carried through the microphone across the entire venue, trembling but crystal clear.

"Have you forgotten our anniversary?"

My hand instantly tightened, nails digging into my palm.

Sebastian stood beside me, motionless.

Media surged crazily toward the stage edge.

Flashbulbs merged into one blinding mass.

Isabelle knelt on the ground, ignoring my existence, staring straight at the cameras.

"I'm Connor's biological mother."

She cried with tears streaming down her face, but her voice carried a vicious edge.

"These seven years, someone stole my life."

The crowd below exploded.

Those who'd just smiled warmly at me were now whispering, their eyes full of excitement at the drama.

"No wonder Mr. White used to be so promiscuous. Turns out the one at home is a thief."

"The son's real mother came back. The stepmother really should step aside."

"Now there's a good show. She stole someone's things for so many years. It's time to pay the debt."

Isabelle crawled two steps forward, reaching out to grab Sebastian's pant leg, her fingers deathly pale.

"Sebastian, look at me. I'm your Isabelle."

Flashbulbs flashed wildly, casting Sebastian's cold face in a harsh white glare.

I turned to look at him.

He was frowning, his gaze passing over Isabelle to look at the PR director in the distance.

In that instant, something inside me froze.

How could I forget? To him, the White family's reputation always mattered more than my dignity.

I took out my phone.

Before I could do anything, the crowd erupted again.

"Let us through! Everyone move!"