Chapter197.  

 

Gabriel didn’t agree with his friend’s thoughts but chose not to speak further. 

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Some hardships must be endured by the person themselves. Without experiencing them, one won’t learn from them. 

While Gabriel was taking a break here, Emma was contacting Vivian. She had already arranged for Vivian to be brought to Seattle and was now downstairs at the banquet hotel. Whether or not Vivian encountered Hazel, the matter would definitely become the talk of the circles as long as she made a scene at the hotel entrance. 

And what Emma wanted was Hazel’s complete downfall. 

When Hazel and Lucia left the private room, they immediately sensed malicious eyes. Turning around, they locked eyes with Emma, who was smiling. 

Emma took the initiative to approach and greet them.“Hi, Ms. Robinson.” 

“Ms. Morris, is there something you need?” 

Hazel’s tone sounded indifferent, and she had no intention of continuing the conversation. However, Emma took this as an insult, which only fueled her anger. 

At this time, Elizabeth, who was chatting with other entertainers at the banquet, noticed Lucia standing beside Hazel. As someone close to Alfred, she naturally knew about their marriage. 

Feigning friendliness, Elizabeth said, “Lucia, you’re back? Why didn’t you tell me in advance? Alfred arranged a private jet for me to return. If I had known you were coming back yesterday, I would’ve brought you along.” 

Lucia glanced at her coldly.“Crying crocodile tears.” 

The marriage between Lucia and Alfred was no secret in their circle. 

Everyone in their world knew these things. 

The director of the film was also on–site. Seeing Lucia, he looked away with guilt. When he heard her mention her relationship with Alfred, his face turned pale. 

Alfred, who had been looking for Lucia, noticed the commotion. 

As soon 

as Alfred and Gabriel stepped out of the elevator, Hazel had already 

She stood beside Lucia, silently offering her support. 

prepared herself. 

“Ms. Brennan, you should be careful from now on. As long as I want, every penny Alfred has spent on you can be reclaimed by me under the guise of our marriage. 

“Of course, if you can, make Alfred divorce me. Otherwise, don’t flaunt yourself here. After all, using your deceased sister’s identity to flirt with your so–called brother–in–law is disgusting.” 

Alfred’s 

face 

darkened 

upon 

hearing 

Lucia’s 

words. He quickly 

walked 

to 

Elizabeth’s 

side. 

Just as he was about to scold her, Hazel spoke up, “Mr. Sanford, you’re in your thirties. If you still can’t tell what’s important, I don’t mind having someone teach you a good lesson.” 

Unconsciously, more and more people surrounded Hazel and Lucia, all of whom had benefitted from ZN Laboratory. 

Alfred was 

a competent businessman and knew what to do in public. He didn’t continue to speak up for Elizabeth. 

Gabriel, who had come out behind, instinctively walked to Hazel’s side. 

When Gabriel saw her defend her friend with such confidence, a faint smile crossed his eyes. 

To him, Hazel was really attractive at that moment. 

Alfred stared fixedly at Lucia, who stood quietly beside Hazel, smiling faintly. She was completely different from the girl he remembered. Unknowingly, she had transformed into someone entirely unfamiliar. 

Lucia, of course, knew exactly what he was looking at. 

But right now, being protected by her 

her best friend felt too good for her 

“Alfred, did you hear that!” 

When Alfred noticed Lucia’s 

attitude, his brows furrowed with some 

to spare him even a glance. 

impatience.“You 

should stop talking.” 

He had felt guilty for taking Lucia’s role in the movie back then. However, thinking about how she had loved him, he thought that marriage would make up for his guilt. But now, it seemed that was not the case. 

He felt like something that once belonged to him had slipped out of his control. 

Alfred stepped forward a few steps and lowered his voice to explain, “Lucia, I can explain the private jet situation. I didn’t know 

you would 

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< Chapter197. 

come back yesterday. If I had known, I would’ve brought you back with me.” 

Lucia sneered. 

The 

SO 

Meny 

coming back? 

unpleasant.” 

marriage registration had been planned long ago. How could he not know she was 

She didn’t want to talk to Alfred. Turning to Hazel, she said, “Let’s go. This is Hazel took half a step forward and reached for her hand, ready to walk away. But then, they heard Emma’s startled cry. “Ms. Brennan, are you okay?” 

Elizabeth collapsed into her arms, pale and pitiful, looking up at Alfred.“I’m sorry, Alfred. It’s all my fault. I’ve caused you so much trouble.” 

Alfred looked at her face, which resembled Kirsten’s, and his heart tightened. 

He hurriedly crouched down and took Elizabeth from Emma’s arms, asking in concern, “Elizabeth! Are you alright?” 

Lucia shot them both a disdainful glance, leaned in close to Hazel, and whispered mockingly, “If only she used this acting in her past roles, she wouldn’t lack representative work by now.” 

Hazel squeezed her hand. 

Even though Lucia showed no signs of distress in front of her and claimed to have let go of Alfred, seeing her husband protect another woman in front of so many people must have stirred something inside her. 

“I’m fine.” Feeling the concern that Lucia was conveying, Lucia smiled faintly. 

As an observer, Gabriel frowned, looking at Alfred’s actions. The mindset of someone in a higher position made him realize just how inappropriate Alfred’s behavior was. 

Setting aside that Lucia was his wife, with her identity as the eldest daughter of the Moore family, she wasn’t someone whose dignity could be so easily disregarded. 

Moreover, the cooperation between the two families had only just begun. 

Gabriel said, “Alfred.” 

Hearing Gabriel’s voice, Alfred looked up at him but got no more words. 

Alfred seemed to sense something and shifted his gaze to Lucia, who was silently watching the scene. His heart skipped a beat. 

“Lucia…” 

There were others present, trying to ingratiate themselves with the Sanford family, who came forward to check on Elizabeth. 

Hazel and Lucia exchanged a glance, remembering these people. 

When Alfred called her name, Lucia stood up straight, her eyes lowering. 

She smiled lightly, speaking calmly, “Mr. Sanford, you should take Ms. Brennan to the hospital first. If there’s something wrong with her health, it’s best to get it checked out as soon as possible. 

“The act of fainting the moment something goes wrong… I’ve only ever seen it in scripts. It’s my first time seeing it in real life. I have to say, Ms. Brennan fits the movie role quite well.” 

Alfred felt embarrassed, and his expression grew colder. He threatened, “Lucia, don’t you want to stay in the entertainment industry? Apologize to Elizabeth now, and I’ll let the past go.” 

Hazel and Gabriel both furrowed their brows, speechless at Alfred’s words, which only added fuel to the fire. 

The Sanford family was already a major player in the entertainment industry, and Lucia was working hard in the domestic film scene. 

What he had just said was, without a doubt, a veiled threat to blacklist her. 

to look at Lucia, seeing a glint of hesitation in her eyes. 

would you mind developing in the 

Hazel felt Lucia’s hand tighten in hers and turned 

She asked in a low voice, “Lucia, 

Lucia recalled what she saw on the birthday of Jaxon and Joshua. 

international 

film 

industry?” 

Ina was an internationally renowned screenwriter, and her best friend was a globally acclaimed female director with a billion–dollar box office track record. 

They had a very close relationship with Hazel. 

Lucia curved her lips into a smile.“Naturally… I’d love to.” 

When Hazel sensed the sympathetic and mocking gazes around her, her expression grew even colder. These were the same kind of looks that had followed her during the five years she was secretly married to Gabriel. 

No one knew better than her how much those looks could hurt. 

Now that she was powerful enough, she wanted to shield those around her from the bitterness she had once endured. 

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Chapter197. 

Hazel gave a faint and contemptuous smile.“Alfred, you’ll regret this.” 

Menu 

She looked at Elizabeth, her eyes filled with disdain and mockery.“It’s just a private jet. Is it really such a big deal in wealthy circles? 

“Or… Are stolen things something you’re particularly proud of in your mistress circles?” 

Alfred released his hold on Elizabeth, standing up and narrowing his eyes at her in a warning.“Ms. Robinson, this is our family matter. As an outsider, it’s not your place to interfere.” 

The atmosphere around them grew tense. 

Every time there was a banquet recently, it seemed like some trouble would always arise. 

Hazel smirked, defending Lucia.“Mr. Sanford, you have the gall to let your mistress bully your wife. Why can’t I, an outsider, intervene? “I didn’t spend money to swap my wife’s role with another woman, and I haven’t been out in public, showing affection for another woman. Nor have I threatened my wife to stand up for someone else. 

Lucia is the godmother of 

my 

“Moreover, 

kids. We’re family. How could I be 

“Strictly speaking, up until yesterday, Mr. Sanford, you were the real outsider.” 

Lucia absolutely loved Hazel’s sharp tongue! 

considered an outsider? 

She had always been frustrated with her lack of eloquence to put people in their place, but Hazel’s words had made her feel completely satisfied. 

Το avoid letting her best friend’s momentum 

falter, Lucia announced 

Except for Hazel, whose expression remained calm, others were stunned. 

something important on the spot. 

Their eyes were wide in shock as they looked at Lucia and exclaimed, “She’s gone crazy!” 

< Chapter198.