Chapter 16 He Is Here
Usually, when Penelope visited the Fetters, Felicia, who often looked down on her for her background, would make sure to show her disdain. But now, she was hurling every insult imaginable.
Felicia screamed, "You should just die! Your mother was a mistress, and so are you! You're even more shameless than she was!
"At least she had the decency to leave, but you—you're clinging to the Vileharts, shamelessly trying to steal my daughter's fiancé!"
The unjust accusation twisted Penelope's face in pain. Her lips quivered, and with indignation, she retorted, "You can insult me, but you can't speak ill of my mother!"
Although she didn't know who her mother truly was, Penelope had to stand up for her. After all, it was the woman who had given her life.
No matter how disgraceful her mother's identity might have been, Penelope would defend her.
"A mistress' daughter, and she dares to talk back? Shameless!" Felicia sneered, hands on her hips.
She turned to the crowd. "Do you all know what kind of person she is? She stole her best friend's happiness just for wealth and status! Selfish and cruel! It's terrifying!"
The crowd, including neighbors from next door, exchanged looks of disdain, their eyes full of contempt. They believed every word Felicia had said.
At that moment, Penelope felt a sharp bitterness rise in her chest.
As she was reeling from the blow, someone suddenly shoved her forcefully. Her ankle twisted, and she fell to the ground.
"Poppy!" Lana shouted.
Felicia had prepared for this moment. "Stop that woman!"
She had someone restrain Lana and continued to accuse Penelope in front of the neighbors, her voice dripping with scorn. "How shameless! A mother without shame, and a daughter who's no better!"
Penelope lay stunned on the ground, her elbow throbbing with pain. She bit her lip, holding back tears that threatened to spill. An overwhelming sense of helplessness washed over her.
In the eyes of others, she was nothing but a morally corrupt sinner.
Angelo had gone to the wedding early, and Berta had disappeared somewhere, seemingly part of the planned disruption. This scene of chaos at the wedding felt carefully orchestrated.
Penelope gritted her teeth and pushed herself up from the ground, but the heavy dress made it hard to move. She strained, but her body swayed with each effort.
Suddenly, a large hand grabbed her wrist and, with a firm motion, helped her to her feet.
The man who held her wrist had cold eyes, his gaze unfeeling. He surveyed her disheveled appearance without a flicker of emotion, while she, feeling humiliated, lowered her head in shame.
"What happened?" His calm voice cut through the chaos, and instantly, the commotion in the hall fell silent.
Ajax, who had come according to protocol to escort her, glanced at the scene and quickly understood what was going on.
His gaze fell on Penelope, who was huddled, her makeup disheveled. A chill ran through him.
"Mr. Grimwald!" Felicia immediately stepped forward, flashing a sly smile and speaking to the imposing man in a syrupy tone. "You've come at just the right time. I'm Valeria's mother. I should be your future mother-in-law."
She had been waiting for this moment—not only to cause a scene at the wedding but also to meet Ajax.
Felicia planned to discredit Penelope, clear the way for her foolish daughter, and ensure Penelope would be kicked out.
With a sense of urgency, Felicia continued her tirade. "It's all because Penelope deceived Valeria, stealing you away to climb the social ladder, leading to—"
Unexpectedly, Ajax didn't let her finish. A mocking smile curled at the corners of his lips, and he spoke coldly.