After being called on stage, Andrea felt lost. So many thoughts ran through her mind. One of them was whether Chairman Ashford knew that Henrick was dead.
"Don't think too much. I'll explain everything later," Gael whispered, noticing her unease. He gently took her hand, and together, they walked to the podium to stand beside Chairman Ashford.
Flashes from cameras went off instantly as reporters rushed to ask questions.
"You're one of the best neurologists in the world. Are you giving up your career to be the CEO of Ashford Group?"
"Is your wife from a rich family? Weren't you dating Miss Elara?"
More and more questions came, until Gael took the mic and said firmly, "Silence."
The room went quiet. Everyone turned their attention to him, waiting to hear what he would say.
"I may become the CEO of Ashford Group, but I will always be a doctor. If someone's life needs saving, I'll be there. As for Miss Elara, the rumors are false. She's just a friend and colleague. I hope those rumors end today because the only woman in my life is Andrea. She is not only my wife…" He turned to Andrea with a soft look, "...she's also the mother of my son."
A flicker of surprise crossed Samuel's face, but he quickly hid it.
"Son? Gael has a son?" Penelope asked Diana, shocked. But the surprise look on Diana face said even she didn't know.
Without saying a word, Lucas gave his mother a sharp look and left the stage.
Diana didn't seem bothered. Her eyes followed a young woman in the crowd who stared at the stage quietly.
She walked over to the woman and whispered, "Can't you at least try to be a good wife tonight?"
The woman turned to her, surprised, and greeted softly, "I'm sorry, Mother."
"Be sorry for yourself. Look at what's happening. Your husband is embarrassed because you can't even give him a child," Diana said quietly so no one else could hear.
The woman, Raya, lowered her head, too afraid to look up.
"In all my life, you are my worst decision," Diana added coldly.
Raya flinched. When she was sure Diana had walked away, she looked back at the stage, tears in her eyes. She whispered, "So you can look at a woman like that…"
"I'll take no more questions," Gael said, about to set down the mic, when an older voice stopped him.
"Won't the new daughter-in-law say a few words?" Chairman Ashford asked.
Andrea met Maxwell's gaze. Something in the way he looked at her made her feel like he was trying to judge if she was good enough.
Looking away, Andrea took the mic and spoke, "To the world, Gael is the best doctor. But to me…" she smiled at Gael, "...he's the best husband and father. That's why I believe he'll also be the best CEO of Ashford Group. He will carry on his grandfather's dream for this company. Thank you for trusting him."
The crowd clapped. Maxwell stopped next to Gael as he stepped down and said, "At least she speaks well."
Samue gave his son a disappointed look before following his father.
Gael held Andrea's hand as they walked off stage, cameras still flashing.
She turned to Gael, ready to question him, when Diana approached with a glass of champagne.
"Congratulations. You really are like your grandfather. Always full of surprises," she said, glancing at Andrea.
Before Gael could respond, two men in suits pulled him into a conversation, and Diana turned her full attention to Andrea.
"We should let the men talk. Come with me," she said with a warm smile.
Andrea glanced at Gael, who was deep in discussion, and followed Diana to a quiet corner.
Looking at Diana's friendly smile, Andrea finally understood what Gael meant when he said her first impression could fool anyone. There was no hint of malice in her look. It made Andrea wonder if Gael disliked her just because she was his stepmother.
"How did you do it?" Diana asked, sipping her drink.
"Do what?"
"I'll be clearer. How did you end up pregnant with his child? I would've thought you drugged him, if I didn't know how careful Gael is."
"You speak like you've done something like that before," Andrea replied.
Diana's smile widened. "Do you think that being dressed up in expensive wear changes anything about you? Even from miles away, I could still tell that you came from the slums. I'm sorry if my words sound like an insult to you, but they aren't. Girls like you are delusional, and the biggest delusion an innocent and sweet girl like you could ever have is thinking that Gael is a prince charming who would protect you from all dangers. The sooner you realize you do not belong in this world, the better."
Andrea's expression darkened, and Diana studied her reaction.
Satisfied, Diana turned to leave, but Andrea's voice stopped her.
"I wonder if you gave your son the same advice."
Diana turned slowly. "What did you say?"
Andrea gave a small, amused smile. "You talk about who belongs and who doesn't. But even your son is an outsider, isn't he? Carrying the Ashford name doesn't make him one of them. If it did, Gael wouldn't be CEO today."
She stepped closer and lowered her voice. "I don't need your advice. But thanks anyway."
Without waiting for a reply, Andrea turned and walked away.
Diana gave a cold laugh, but the smile faded quickly. A flash of anger crossed her face as she whispered to herself, "I don't like her."