Chapter 132
Rupert was already annoyed by Harper and Francis's closeness, and hearing Irene's words made his anger boil over even more.
He recalled how Harper had embarrassed him in court, and now here she was, chatting and laughing with another man, completely disregarding the fact that he was still legally her husband.
Rage clouded his judgment as Rupert strode over.
"Harper." Rupert's voice was cold and harsh, particularly grating in the quiet banquet hall. "What are you doing here?"
Harper turned to look at him, her expression calm as usual. "The dinner is a public event. Why shouldn't I be here?"
Her light and breezy retort was like a silent slap across Rupert's face.
The crystal chandelier's light fell on his ashen face, reflecting the rage churning in his eyes.
Whispered conversations rippled around them like a tide:
"Isn't that Mr. Getty and his wife? I heard they're getting divorced."
"Look at Mr. Getty's face—he must be pretty bitter about it, huh?"
"Bitter about what? Doesn't he already have someone else? That Irene..."
"Keep it down, she's right over there."
These words drilled into his ears, and Rupert felt his temples throbbing.
He stared hard at Harper—this woman who used to obey his every word and didn't even dare speak loudly. Now she stood under the brilliant lights, composed and elegant, with not a trace of attachment to him in her eyes.
He couldn't stand it.
Irene tugged gently at Rupert's sleeve, her voice just loud enough for those nearby to hear. "Rupert, don't be like this. Harper just wants to expand her network—it'll help her career. Mr. Vasquez has such a high standing in the industry. It's a good thing that Harper can get his recognition."
She paused, her eyes flickering toward where Francis and Harper stood together, as if hesitant to continue. "It's just that Harper hasn't officially divorced you yet, and her being so close to Mr. Vasquez might cause gossip. Like those rumors online recently."
Her words sounded "understanding," but they were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples.
The surrounding chatter immediately shifted direction:
"Could the woman in the news be Harper?"
"Oh my god, if it really is her, that's just too..."
Rupert's expression grew even darker.
At the time, he hadn't suspected that woman might be Harper, but now thinking back, the silhouette did bear some resemblance.
He should have thought it impossible—how could Harper possibly reach someone like Francis?
But now, recalling Francis's warmth toward her just moments ago, a terrible thought took root in his mind: Could the woman in the news really be Harper?
This idea shattered Rupert's rationality instantly.
He shook off Irene's hand and strode toward Harper and Francis.
"Mr. Vasquez!" Rupert's voice carried suppressed anger, particularly jarring in the gradually quieting banquet hall. "There are some things I feel I need to warn you about."
Francis turned around, his brow furrowing slightly.
He already knew this was Harper's heartless ex-husband!
Therefore, he had no intention of being polite to him.
Rupert's gaze swept over Harper's face with a condescending scrutiny and contempt. "Mr. Vasquez, you have an outstanding reputation and an unmatched position in the design world. But some people are best at using their appearance and tactics to latch onto powerful people. Don't be fooled by someone's innocent exterior!"
His words were quite explicit, causing an uproar in the banquet hall.
Harper's eyes turned completely cold.
She was about to speak when Francis beat her to it.
His voice carried rare anger. "Rupert, is it? Watch your words! Harper is someone I deeply respect and who is very important to me. I won't allow anyone to insult her with such malicious speculation!"
Francis couldn't reveal Harper's true identity, and at this moment, his face was red with anger.
"Respect? Important?" Rupert sneered, alcohol and jealousy clouding his mind. "Mr. Vasquez, I was married to Harper for five years. I know what kind of person she is better than you do. You think she values your talent? She values your reputation and status!"
"Rupert!" Harper finally spoke, her voice cold as ice. "Just because your own mind is filthy, you think everyone else is like you?"
She stepped forward, her gaze sharp as a blade. "Cheating during marriage, transferring marital assets, deliberately dragging out the divorce while threatening me—you've done all these things, and now you have the nerve to slander me here!"
Her words were like a sharp knife, stabbing directly at Rupert's most shameful weakness.
His face turned red as he pointed at Harper. "You're making false accusations!"
"I'm making false accusations?" Harper laughed, the smile cold and mocking. "Do you need me to lay out the evidence piece by piece?"
Suppressed gasps rose from the crowd.
Rupert had an affair during marriage? Then who was his affair partner?
Irene was so nervous she nearly fainted, terrified that Harper would speak her name at this moment!
After all, she and Rupert were nominally siblings. If people found out, their reputations would be completely ruined!
She understood Rupert well enough—once it involved his reputation and interests, there was no way he would marry her.
Irene hurried forward, grabbing Rupert's arm, tears in her eyes. "Rupert, Harper, please stop fighting. This is all a misunderstanding. It's all my fault."
She turned to Harper, looking pitiful. "Harper, I know you hate me, hate that I took Rupert's attention away. But don't slander Rupert's reputation just because you hate me, and drag Mr. Vasquez's name down too."
Her words were clever, both portraying herself as an innocent victim and pinning the label of deliberate slander on Harper.
Alaric walked over at this moment, having caught this entire exchange.
His eyes darkened, a cold, murderous glint flashing through them.
He had only gone to say a few words to some business partners, and in just that short time, these people dared to bully Harper like this?
Alaric stood beside Harper.
Harper looked up at him, and as their eyes met, she instinctively said, "You're here."
The words themselves were nothing special, but to Alaric's ears, Harper seemed to have suffered a great injustice.
Otherwise, why would her eyes look so vulnerable?
Harper didn't yet know Alaric's thoughts when he spoke.
"Rupert, whether what Harper just mentioned is fact or slander, you know in your hearts. As for her relationship with Mr. Vasquez..."He paused, his gaze sweeping across the room. "I believe everyone here with eyes can see it's the appreciation and respect a designer shows to a junior. Only those with filthy minds would think of all relationships as sordid."