I gave a bitter laugh now. People claimed everything I wore and ate came from the Hayes family, but the soda-tab ring still sat on my finger, never replaced by a real one, not even a proper wedding band.
Now, his gaze on me was as cold as if I were a stranger. “That was my foolishness. Evelyn, did you really think I’d spend my life with a woman from some rundown apartment under a bridge? If it weren’t for the fact that you once took care of me, you’d never have stepped foot into the Hayes family.”
Sophia jumped in quickly, her tone syrupy. “Ryan’s just too soft-hearted. Some people get a taste of wealth and never want to let go. They really think they deserve to be Mrs. Hayes?” She tugged at my neckline and smirked. “Look at this dress. Such a shame it’s wasted on you—it should be worn by someone worthy of it.”
“Exactly,” Jason leaned closer, his gaze lewd as it roved over me. “If you really want to leave, strip off everything Ryan gave you. Walk out naked—that’s the only way you won’t owe him a thing.”
The whole hall burst into louder laughter, the sound slapping against my face like burning palms.