Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson)

After I had my say, I couldn't be bothered to stick around. All I wanted was to go find Christine.

"Why should I leave??"

Judie, taken aback by the security guard's blunt eviction notice, glanced over at me in confusion. "Her, who is she..."

Dorothy glared at me viciously, then turned to the security guard and said, "Oh! Now I get it. That explains why a designer like her has been hanging around. She's having an affair with you, isn't she?!"

"Mind your language!" The security guard frowned. "Ms. Webster is a distinguished guest. Your insults..."

"Distinguished guest?" Judie grew even more anxious. "She's whose guest? Could it be... Ms. Taylor?"

But as soon as she said it, she seemed doubtful.

Dorothy was even more incredulous and, feeling humiliated by the whispers of the onlooking guests, turned red with rage. She stormed over to me, teeth gritted, and hissed, "Jane, what tricks are you playing now? Grandma may defend you, but Bella has her own daughter. What right do you have to be at such an important event..."

"Am I not enough?" A cold voice came from behind me!

It was so familiar.

I turned around and, sure enough, saw Bryant's impassive face!

Why was he sticking up for me?

This is going to be hard to explain to that green-eyed monster!

But the effect at the moment was remarkable.

Though Bryant's power base was in RiverCity, his influence was immense, and many in Vista Town sought his favor. After all, a tiny leak from his wealth could sustain these so-called elite families. Like the Harvey family.

Judie was stunned, whispering to Dorothy, "Why didn't you say she knew Mr. Ferguson!!"

The others who had just been eager to see me leave also turned away, looking guilty.

Afraid of being implicated.

I looked at Bryant. "Thanks for the offer, Mr. Ferguson, but I can handle this."

།

Bryant looked slightly taken aback by my response, his lips tightening, "After all, you're my ex-wife. If these they're

people bully you, it's like tent

slapping me in the face."

His voice was moderate, but it landed like a bombshell, leaving everyone dumbfounded.

Wow.

Married for three years and never made it public, but the divorce was announced?

That was unnecessary.

Judie's face turned a palette of colors, realizing Dorothy had used her to target me. She quickly tried to make amends, "Mr. Ferguson, I didn't recognize..."

"It's fine." Bryant said coldly, then

turned to Kevin, who was half a step

behind, and ordered, "Release the

news. Any company still collaborating with the Ho's from tomorrow on will never do business with RF and the Ferguson Group!"

This statement, though delivered without emotion, was thunderous!

The onlookers were stunned!

They must be thinking that Bryant's reputation for doting on his wife wasn't unfounded, seeing as he still held me in such high regard even after our divorce.

Judie went pale, her legs turning to jelly...

"Mr. Ferguson!"

Gregory came over from the direction of the lounge, wearing a forced smile on his face.

"Thanks for defending my fiancée, Mr. Ferguson, but cutting ties with the Ho's seems a bit roundabout."

He stretched out an arm, pulling me into a possessive embrace, and said nonchalantly, "If you ask me, driving them to bankruptcy would be simpler."