Beyond the Divorce

"What a compassionate soul."

I glanced at Atlas beside me, feeling somewhat uneasy about him being subjected to ridicule alongside me. It was the last thing I wanted.

Those 'elderly' figures who seemed rather dignified were particularly disdainful. They confronted Atlas, criticizing him for getting involved with a woman of unknown background and bringing her to such an occasion, thereby inviting shame upon himself. One of them even stated, "A woman of uncertain identity has no place here!"

"Yes, they shouldn't allow such despicable individuals to enter this premise. She should be kicked out immediately."

"Even if she truly is Rory's daughter, so what? Until the truth of the past events is uncovered, she shouldn't set foot in the Pierce family's residence because they are sworn enemies."

Once this mood was set, the atmosphere in the hall became tense.

Atlas remained silent, but his hand on my waist continued to guide me. Earlier, when he pressured me to admit I was Stella, he was hinting at something. But now, he pulled me closer and gently patted my waist.

I understood his signal. He was asking me to wait for the right moment to speak.

me to remain silent. I had no choice

this passive

to condemn me

"Stella, be respectful."

fake Stella, halting

a parental

need for such aggression. Since

all, she was

in front of everyone so

earlier groundwork was enough to

any longer and smiled lightly. "It seems you have already decided that my father was the mastermind behind

better answer? Or can you really prove that you are Rory's

time, Atlas finally said, "I can

did I turn to look at him. His eyes were so sharp that they were sending shivers down my