Emma was utterly convinced that the woman in question was Amara.


    In truth, the crowd knew Amara had a valid argument: without solid evidence, it was impossible to say for sure whether the person in the photo was her or Elowen—or even if the woman was really Ms. Sullivan at all. After all, the bar owner''s testimony wasn''t exactly irond.


    Yet people often choose to believe whatever version of events best fits their own preferences. They were already eager to see Amara caught up in this scandal, and now that Emma was pushing the usation so forcefully, they were all too happy to go along with it.


    Emma noticed how everyone''s gaze toward Amara had changed as she subtly guided the conversation, and she felt a surge of satisfaction. Emboldened, she dered even more firmly, "It''s you in that picture. Stop trying to deny it."


    "No wonder you never say who the father of your child is. It must be one of those men in the photo, right? Can you even remember which one? I bet you can''t..."


    "Enough! Stop it!"


    Finnian stepped in front of Amara, his face zing with anger as he red at Emma.


    If Emma weren''t his own mother, he would have thrown her out right then and there.


    How could she be so cruel, so relentless in her attacks on Amara? He had already agreed to marry Liliana, and still she refused to let go of her grudge. She had truly gone too far.


    "What did you just say?"


    Emma stared at Finnian in disbelief.


    He had actually dared to interrupt her in front of everyone?


    She was his mother! Was he really willing to turn his back on her for Amara?


    A wave of fury surged in Emma''s chest, and she clenched her fists in anger. "What''s


    the meaning of this? Are you really going to defend that little tramp?"


    "She''s pregnant out of wedlock-with another man''s child! Why are you still standing up for her? Step back right now, and stay away from her!"


    As soon as Emma finished, Liliana rushed over to grab Finnian''s arm, trying to persuade him to back down.


    But Finnianpletely ignored her.


    In a low voice, he said to his mother, "I''m warning you watch what you say. If you keep going after Amara, don''t forget what I told you about that ind."


    Emma immediately recalled the deed to that remote ind Finnian had once shown her.


    A chill ran down her spine. Would her own son really exile her to such an isted ce?


    She bit her lip hard, eyes brimming with rage, but she dared not utter another word. The room fell silent for a moment before the guests began whispering to each other. What had started as a perfectly pleasant dinner was nowpletely ruined.


    Emma red at Amara. She had nned to bring Amara down for good tonight, but instead, Amara had held her ground and even fought back with confidence.


    And her own son, Finnian, hadn''t given her the slightest bit of respect. Was he really siding with Amara now?


    Meanwhile, Keith was fuming as well.


    During Emma and Amara''s


    confrontation, he''d wanted to step in and defend Amara, but Edith had clung tightly to his hand, threatening to cut him off if he dared to help.


    Keith didn''t care much for her threats, but Edith''s grip was unyielding He couldn''t just push his own mother aside, so he was forced to watch as Finnian stepped in to protect Amara.


    Amara closed her eyes, feeling utterly exhausted-body and soul.


    She just wanted this whole farce to end. At the very least, she couldn''t stay here a moment longer, and was about to say something to excuse herself and leave.


    Just then, a timid voice piped up: "Ms. Sullivan, please tell everyone the truth. Don''t let them keep misunderstanding you..."