Chapter 140
These words were measured, just loud enough for those nearby to listen in.
“Whoa, look who it is! Kristin? Remember her from that high–profile heiress scam six years ago? The one who turned out to be a big fat fake.”
“Yeah, word on the street is she’s not decent with chaotic sexual relationships. I heard she’s been linked with quite a few guys.”
“Kristin, have you forgotten me?” The man teased with a sly glance her way. “Climbing up the social ladder to Mr. FitzGerald now, huh? How could you forget your old flame? I was your first lover, wasn’t I?” It was clear he was out to smear Kristin.
Before coming to the gala, Kristin had already anticipated the kind of tactics Nicola might employ.
Using her to sling mud at Rhett was all her tricks.
The crowd circled around, eager for the spectacle. Even President Scales, who was deep in conversation with Rhett, paused, taken aback.
“Rhett, what’s all this about?” An elder acquaintance of Rhett’s asked, clearly bewildered.
“Mr. FitzGerald, how can you keep someone like her on staff? Did she pull the wool over your eyes?”
“Rhett, you’ve really got to work on your judgment. At an event like this, bringing her along is just embarrassing.” From the crowd, Nicola emerged, her high heels clicking, clad in a designer dress that oozed elegance.
Accompanying her was Eddie’s mother, a prominent businesswoman from the previous generation in Harborside Haven. Eddie owed everything to his mother, who had passed on the family business to him.
“The FitzGerald Group is this careless with their choice of assistant?” Anita, Eddie’s mother, clearly displeased, questioned how such a controversial figure could be invited to a bidding
event.
“Mom, there must be some misunderstanding. This is Kristin, the one I mentioned to you years ago. She even picked out the crabs we all enjoyed tonight.” Eddie quickly interjected, attempting to clear the air for Kristin.
Eddie’s mother, Anita, paused for a moment, giving Kristin a once–over.
“Good evening, Mrs. FitzGerald,” Kristin said to contain her anxiety and stiffness as she greeted her. “I apologize if I’ve given you a poor impression.”
“Mr. FitzGerald, is there a certain flair you require in your assistants?” The man’s intention to embarrass Rhett was obvious.
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“Have the standards for a bidding event fallen this low?” Rhett’s voice was low and it was clear he was far from pleased.
Eddie sensed Rhett’s anger and quickly had someone check the identity of the man who had spoken.
“Kristin’s reputation in Silvergrove City is well–known. She is indiscreet with a questionable history, and even a stint in jail. She’s not the kind of person you want to associate with at an event like this, Rhett. You’ve made a lapse in judgment this time,” Nicola added, stirring the
pot.
If they could get Anita to turn on Rhett, the contract would go to Vincent.
“Kristin, have you forgotten me with all the men you’ve been with?” the man mocked her with at grin.
“Excuse me, sir,” Kristin said after a brief apology, her gaze fixed on the man. “I have a birthmark on my arm. Is it on the left or the right?”
The man hesitated. “How should I know…”
“You claim to have been intimate with me, yet you denigrate and attempt to oppress me with these tactics, trying to negate my professional abilities and talent by slandering my private life. My efforts at work should not be tarnished by your dirty words and actions. It’s your soul that’s dirty which sees filth everywhere.”
Kristin knew Anita, a businesswoman of her generation, had faced pressures and disparagement that many had never endured.
Men who couldn’t match her success would discredit her achievements and capabilities, and women who envied her success would insinuate she only got ahead through men.
Kristin, in fact, had to thank Nicola for presenting her with an opportunity to make a good impression in front of Anita.
“Now, please answer my question. Is my birthmark on my left arm, or on my right?” Kristin was firm. “If you can’t answer, I will take legal action against you for defamation.”
The man glanced at Nicola, unsure of what to do next.
“What are you looking at Nicola for? Are you saying she orchestrated this to undermine Mr. FitzGerald and sabotage this bidding partnership?” Kristin looked at Nicola, feigning shock. “Nicola, how could you do such a thing? I know Rhett is the child of Mr. Holcomb’s first wife. but this favoritism is too much.”
Nicola only knew how to curry favor with Anita, not realizing that Anita had started her business and carried her family because Eddie’s father had an affair and insisted on marrying his mistress, driving Anita and Eddie away.
“Kristin, what nonsense are you spouting?” Nicola was taken aback. Was this the Kristin she knew? Serious?
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Kristin’s confrontation left Nicola wishing she could tear Kristin to shreds. “What a sly fox! Do you think you can drive a wedge between our family? What are you but a woman with a tarnished reputation? Do you need others to slander you?”
Kristin glanced back at Rhett.
His eyes were deep and understanding, and he nodded slightly at her.
Suddenly, Kristin wasn’t panicking anymore because she knew she had Rhett’s support.
“Yeah, I’ve been with you for so long, how would I remember where your birthmark is? I just know you have one, but who can remember which side it’s on?” the man blurted out.
“Oh,” Kristin turned her attention to the silent Vincent. “Vincent, do I have a birthmark on my arm?”
Tho are you eveni
about?!” Nicola snapped, glaring at Kristin with unmasked disgust.
“Vincent would never lay a finger on trash like you.”
Vincent’s face was ashen, almost completely drained of color.
“Vincent, we were together for six years from high school to college. I was once your fiancée, recognized publicly. Don’t you have anything to say in my defense?” Kristin was deliberate.
If Nicola was going to sling mud at her to get at Rhett, Kristin was ready to sling it right back.
With a slightly hoarse voice, Kristin silently monitored Vincent.
Kristin wanted to see just how Vincent would denigrate her.
In such a public setting, if Vincent joined Nicola in slandering her, then who had poor judgment? Rhett was just her boss. Her competence at work was all that mattered.
But in her personal life, Vincent as her ex–boyfriend had more vile judgment.
“Don’t dredge up the past. Vincent was just fooled by you,
ing around behind his back…”
“Enough.” Vincent’s voice was a low rumble, cutting off Nicola mid–sentence.
“Kristin has no birthmark. This person is deliberately defaming Kristin. Let’s just drop it.” Vincent inhaled deeply, casting a glance at Nicola before awkwardly turning to leave.
What bothered him was the memory of catching Kristin in a hotel with another man, an incident that left him unable to hold his head high. And now, with Nicola airing dirty laundry in front of an audience, Vincent was understandably reluctant.
“Mister Eddie Wilson, we checked. This guy wasn’t invited to the event,” York said, approaching with the event coordinator in tow.
The man’s face paled, panic setting in as he tried to bolt.
Rhett shot out his hand, grabbing the back of the intruder’s collar, his expression dark and
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stormy. “Causing trouble at Eddie’s bidding event could be a major issue.”
The crowd collectively inhaled sharply. Rhett seemed furious.
