chapter: 10 Too scared to admit

Ethan gazed at Maya's outward beauty, yet he saw her inner ugliness. "Haha, you betrayed me, accused me of infidelity, and now you wish to strike me? What a remarkable wife I have indeed. I've married a true rarity!"

Ethan's frustration knew no bounds. To everyone's surprise, Alexander seized the giant enforcement ruler and charged towards Ethan.

"You scoundrel! How dare you hit me? I'll ruin your face!" Alexander threatened, attempting to strike Ethan with the enforcement ruler.

Ethan remained composed, swiftly evading the blow. He seized Alexander's arm with his left hand and deftly twisted it, causing Alexander to inadvertently strike himself in the face with the giant enforcement ruler.

Smack!

The forceful impact left Alexander's already grim visage looking even more distorted.

The onlookers were left in utter astonishment at the unexpected turn of events.

"How dare a live-in son-in-law strike the heir of the Reynolds!?"

Old Ms. Mimi rose to her feet, her voice booming, "Scoundrel! How dare you behave so recklessly and cause a scene here!? Do you realize the number of government officials present? They could have you arrested and thrown behind bars this instant!"

Ethan pondered Old Ms. Mimi's words. It was common for the wealthy to have connections with high-ranking government officials, like the Reynolds. Their network extended to influential figures of power and prestige. Nevertheless, Ethan turned to the guests and calmly asserted, "I believe the officials should have witnessed that Alexander was the one who attempted to strike me with a weapon first, and I merely defended myself."

The guests, dressed in casual attire rather than uniforms, listened intently. Among them, a tall, bespectacled individual spoke up, "However, you did pledge to accept punishment according to the family's law. Yet, when the time came to administer the punishment, you reneged on your word. What do you have to say for yourself?"

 

"Do you believe it's appropriate behavior for a man?" 

As the words left his lips, the assembled crowd reacted with fervor, acknowledging his esteemed reputation. In response to the crowd's sentiments, a smile graced the lips of Old Ms. Mimi.

Ethan calmly remarked, "I am prepared to abide by the Reynolds family's law of conduct, unless I am genuinely at fault."

Old Ms. Mimi raised her voice, exclaiming, "Engaging in extramarital affairs behind Maya's back and harming my grandson is inexcusable!"

Disgust evident on his face, Ethan retorted, "For the past three years, my love for Maya has been unwavering and true!"

"It was your own granddaughter who betrayed me! She was seen entering a room with Tony West at the Sunset Tower Hotel just yesterday. Feel free to verify the truth!"

The only way to resolve this situation was to review the CCTV footage from the hotel room. If it isn't clear from the video, that was the only thing that can save the drama 

Upon hearing this revelation, the atmosphere in the hall became animated as guests engaged in lively conversation and exchanged pleasantries.

"Tony? Are you referring to Tony West, the scion of the West family?" 

"I've long heard that the Reynolds intend to let the scion of the West marry Maya seems like it's true."

"The Reynolds and the West families do seem well-matched, but if Maya is engaging in extramarital affairs, it may be more appropriate for her to seek a divorce before considering remarriage. Such behavior does not align with their reputations," observed a guest.

 

"It appears that the so-called most beautiful woman in Los Angeles may not be as innocent as she appears," murmured a member of the crowd.

Upon catching wind of the whisper, Maya blushed and lowered her head in embarrassment.

"Grandma, everyone, please do not believe these baseless rumors. I met with Tony yesterday to discuss business matters. As you all know, Lucasfilm Ltd has been seeking investors recently, and that was the purpose of our meeting," Maya explained earnestly.

Ethan chuckled sardonically and remarked, "Discussing business in a hotel room while dressed in a bathrobe? Are you trying to deceive everyone here!?"

Just then, a familiar figure emerged from the restroom and strolled into the hall.

"Speak of the devil," murmured a spectator as Maya's supposed departed lover, Tony, unexpectedly appeared amidst the commotion. Tony was taken aback by the unexpected turn of events, as he was not accustomed to leaving the lobby in such a tumultuous manner.

Upon spotting Tony, Maya hurriedly pulled him into the center of the commotion.

"Tony, this audacious relative of our family is accusing me of engaging in an extramarital affair with you. Please, quickly clarify that our meeting yesterday was purely business-related," implored Maya.

Tony stood frozen, comprehending the reason behind the peculiar glances directed his way by the onlookers.

Glancing at Ethan, Tony seethed inwardly, "How dare this worthless leech who lives off his wife expose my relationship with Maya in front of everyone."

While it was not uncommon for members of the upper class to partake in scandalous behavior, the key disparity between them and common troublemakers lay in their ability to maintain a positive public image despite their transgressions.

 

Tony spoke up assertively, addressing the gathered crowd, "Everyone, disregard the baseless claims made by Ethan. Maya and I are innocent. She visited me yesterday solely to deliver a document."

Turning to Ethan, Tony challenged him, "Ethan, you accused Maya of infidelity with me, but do you have any evidence, such as videos or photos?"

Tony was well aware that Ethan had not taken any incriminating footage at the hotel the previous day. Furthermore, the only video that could have confirmed Maya's presence in the hotel room had been deleted by Tony for unrelated reasons.

So no matter how Ethan try to proof his worth there is no evidence.

"Perhaps many of you are unaware, but this so-called son-in-law also works part-time as a driver. I inadvertently left my phone in his cab, only for him to carelessly toss it aside due to a minor payment delay," Tony revealed, shedding light on Ethan's questionable actions.