THE SUBSTITUTE HUSBAND BECAME HIS WIFE'S BOSS

Chapter 13

Alejandro's face flushed crimson, rage overriding the pain in his jaw.

"If not me, then who else—you?" He stepped forward aggressively. "Are you that delusional? That detached from reality?"

"It was the ancient ginseng root I acquired that saved Esperanza Vega's life!" Alejandro's voice rose, addressing both Diego and the gathered crowd.

"Thousand-year ginseng—something your pathetic existence could never even dream of affording! That's why she recovered! That's why this entire banquet is being held in our honor!"

Isabella moved beside him, her expression dripping with contempt. "You really don't understand your place, do you? Alejandro and I are the guests of honor tonight. Ricardo Vega himself is celebrating us for saving his daughter's life. Meanwhile, you're just garbage that needs to be swept out."

Several guests who had been watching the confrontation began nodding, their expressions turning hostile toward Diego.

"Mr. Morales is right," an older businessman spoke up. "This man assaulted the very person who saved Miss Vega. It's unforgivable!"

"He should be thrown out immediately!" a woman in diamonds added.

"Before Mr. Vega arrives and sees this disgrace!" another guest chimed in.

A younger executive stepped forward, practically bowing to Alejandro. "Mr. Morales, please allow me to handle this situation. I'll have security remove this troublemaker at once. We can't have him ruining your celebration!"

"Yes, yes!" Others joined in eagerly. "We should clear him out before the formal proceedings begin!"

Alejandro's smirk widened as he watched the crowd turn against Diego.

The humiliation of being slapped was fading, replaced by the sweet satisfaction of social dominance.

"You see, Diego? These people understand how the world works. They know who matters and who doesn't."

"You're nothing but a parasite who lived off my family!" Isabella spat. "And now you're too stupid to even recognize when you're beaten!"

The murmurs of agreement grew louder. Several guests had already moved toward Diego's table, clearly prepared to physically escort him out if necessary.

Then a voice rang out from the ballroom entrance, clear and authoritative.

"Miss Vega has arrived!"

The crowd instantly parted, conversations dying mid-sentence as all eyes turned toward the doors.

Esperanza entered the ballroom like a force of nature. Her midnight blue gown seemed to absorb and reflect the chandelier light simultaneously, making her appear almost otherworldly.

Her hair was styled in an elegant updo that emphasized her sharp, beautiful features.

But it was her presence—the sheer commanding aura she radiated—that made the entire room fall silent.

Every step she took echoed with authority. Her gaze swept across the gathered guests with the cool assessment of someone accustomed to controlling boardrooms and billion-dollar deals.

"My God," someone whispered. "She's even more stunning than the photos."

"The Vega heiress... I heard she built a multi-billion dollar company by twenty-eight..."

"That's real power..."

Alejandro's face lit up with triumph.

He grabbed Isabella's hand and pushed through the crowd, positioning himself directly in Esperanza's path. Isabella followed, her expression equally smug.

"Miss Vega!" Alejandro's voice rang out with false warmth. "Allow me to congratulate you on your miraculous recovery! I'm so relieved that the ancient ginseng root we provided helped restore your health!"

Isabella stepped forward, her smile bright and calculated. "We're just so grateful you recovered so quickly. When we heard about your condition, we knew we had to help."

Esperanza stopped walking, her gaze settling on them with an expression that was utterly unreadable.

Alejandro continued, emboldened by what he interpreted as attention. "I must apologize for the disturbance at your celebration, Miss Vega. There's a piece of trash here—" he gestured toward Diego, "—who has been causing trouble. Isabella's ex-husband, actually. A worthless parasite who lived off her family for years and now has the audacity to show up and assault me, of all people!"

"We'll have him removed immediately," Isabella added quickly.

"So he won't trouble you or ruin this wonderful celebration your father has arranged in our honor."

The crowd murmured in agreement, many nodding sympathetically toward Alejandro and Isabella.

Alejandro's smirk widened. "Don't worry, Miss Vega. We'll handle this situation swiftly and—"

PAK!

The slap came without warning.

Esperanza's hand moved with brutal precision, striking Alejandro across his already swollen face with enough force to send him staggering backward.

The crack echoed through the silent ballroom like a gunshot.

"Who," Esperanza's voice was ice incarnate, each word measured and deadly, "did you just call trash?"