Chapter 73
Ainsley tugged at Stanley's arm at just the right moment, her eyes reddening as she put on an act of trying to make peace but failing to stop him.
"Stanley, forget it. Maybe Ophelia has her reasons. Today is my birthday—let's not make this too ugly."
"What reasons could she possibly have to bully you like this?" Stanley shook off her hand. "Today I'm going to get justice for you!"
His outburst attracted guests who had been scattered around the venue. They gathered in a circle, pointing and whispering about Ophelia.
"Is this the biological daughter the Smith family found? She looks pretty fierce."
"I heard she was married before and spent years out there doing who knows what. No wonder she's so scheming."
"Ainsley looks so sweet—she must have really suffered."
The comments pierced Ophelia's ears like needles. She frowned, feeling irritated but staying calm. "Whether I bullied her or not isn't for you to decide based on guesses."
"Ainsley knows what she's done. If we really want to get into it, I don't mind laying everything out on the table."
Ainsley's face went pale as she quickly interrupted, "Ophelia, how can you say that? It's just a misunderstanding between us. There's no need to take it this far."
The more she acted this way, the more the crowd saw Ophelia as aggressive, and their looks toward her grew increasingly hostile.
Just then, a warm hand suddenly wrapped around Ophelia's waist, and a familiar woody scent washed over her.
William stepped forward, shielding Ophelia behind him, his eyes coldly sweeping over Stanley and the gossiping guests. "Whether my wife has bullied anyone isn't for you to judge."
His voice wasn't loud, but it carried overwhelming authority. The noisy chatter instantly stopped.
Stanley froze for a moment, then said angrily, "Mr. Brown, don't let this woman fool you! She's not as simple as she appears!"
"Fool me?" William let out a cold laugh, then looked down at Ophelia beside him, his eyes instantly softening. "I know my wife better than anyone."
He raised their hands, showing off the matching rings they wore, his voice clearly carrying across the room. "Also, let me introduce—Ophelia is not only the biological daughter of the Smith family, but also my legal wife."
"We're already married."
The announcement caused an uproar.
"What? They're married?"
"Oh my god, Mr. Brown and Ophelia are already married? How was there no news about this?"
"No wonder Mr. Brown is protecting Ophelia so much—she's his wife. This just got serious."
Those who had been pointing fingers at Ophelia moments ago instantly changed their expressions, their looks shifting from doubt to flattery.
Ainsley was thunderstruck, stumbling back a step, staring in disbelief at the rings on their hands. "Impossible! How could you be married? Mr. Brown, how could you marry a woman like her?"
She had always thought William was just interested in Ophelia, and that if she tried harder, she could win him over. She never imagined they had already registered their marriage!
Stanley was also stunned, but after recovering, he still refused to back down. "Mr. Brown, has she deceived you? She's been married before and has a shameful past. She's not worthy of you!"
"Ainsley is a hundred times better than her—gentle, kind, from a good family. She's the one who's right for you!"
William's eyes turned cold, his tone carrying a warning. "Mr. Smith, my wife's past is none of your business. I know what kind of person she is. Others don't get to point fingers."
"As for Ms. Smith," he glanced at Ainsley, his tone flat, "whether she's good or not has nothing to do with me. All I know is that Ophelia is the wife I've chosen."
Just then, someone in the crowd suddenly shouted, "Wait! I remember Ms. Blake attended events with Jeffrey before. They seemed pretty close. How is Ms. Blake now married to Mr. Brown?"
"Right! I remember too. There were photos of them online, saying they were business partners, and some even said they were dating!"
"Isn't this like marrying two men? Mr. Brown, don't let her fool you!"
This comment was like a bomb, instantly reigniting the gossip.
A gleam of satisfaction flashed in Ainsley's eyes as she immediately chimed in, her tone full of concern. "Ophelia, how could you do this? Things with Mr. Adams aren't even cleared up yet, and you've already married Mr. Brown?"
"I know you probably just want stability, but doing this will not only hurt Mr. Brown's reputation but also bring shame to the Smith family."
She seemed to be advising, but every sentence was actually confirming Ophelia's supposed crime of playing with two men's feelings.
Stanley immediately agreed. "See! I told you she's no good! Mr. Brown, wake up! This kind of woman isn't worth your protection!"
"She doesn't even deserve to stay in the Smith family, let alone become the future lady of the Brown family!"
Watching these people twist the truth, Ophelia finally couldn't help but laugh, her laughter tinged with mockery. "Jeffrey and I have had nothing to do with each other for a long time."
"When I married him back then, he deceived me. He and Freya worked together to trick me, making me raise their child for three years while they drained all my savings."
"Later, I saw through them and left him decisively. As for attending events with him later, it was purely work-related, strictly business."
"All of this has been clarified online. If you're willing to check, you can find the truth. If you'd rather just believe rumors, there's nothing I can do about it."
She paused, looking up at William with determined eyes. "I married William because we like each other and trust each other. There's no deception involved."
William gripped her hand tightly and added, "Before Ophelia and I got together, I already investigated everything thoroughly. She hasn't wronged anyone."
"Today, I'm making this clear—anyone who dares to spread rumors or disrespect my wife is going against me."
"And you can't handle the consequences."
His gaze swept across the room with undeniable authority. Everyone instinctively lowered their heads, and no one dared speak again.
William looked down and placed a gentle kiss on Ophelia's forehead. "Don't mind them. I'm here."
Ophelia felt warmth in her heart. Her tense nerves finally relaxed as she leaned into his embrace and nodded.
Seeing this, the surrounding guests quickly chimed in. "Mr. Brown and Mrs. Brown are truly a perfect match. We misunderstood before."
"Yes, Ms. Blake is so outstanding, and Mr. Brown has such good judgment. Congratulations on your marriage!"
"Ms. Blake, happy birthday! Today is such a good day—double happiness!"
Ainsley stood there watching this scene, her nails nearly digging into her palms. She was seething with hatred inside, but still had to force a fake smile on her face. "Well, congratulations to Ophelia and Mr. Brown. Your marriage is such a surprise."