Mrs. Winston shot to her feet.
Her makeup was smeared from crying, eyes bloodshot, face twisted in fury.
Ethan Sullivan lifted his gaze, icy cold.
"Mrs. Winston, if you want to throw a tantrum, aim at the right culprit."
Chloe Evans' heart clenched behind them.
Ethan's voice was detached. "Last night, Miss Evans lost the bet. Liam Winston chose to pay her debt and got detained at the casino."
A mocking laugh escaped him.
"A schemer and a fool. Perfect match."
Chloe's face drained of color.
Mrs. Winston froze.
She'd believed Sophia Sullivan seduced her son into debt.
The real culprit was Chloe!
No wonder the little snake spoke in riddles!
Mrs. Winston turned slowly, gaze sharp as knives.
"Chloe. Evans."
Their eyes locked. Fire erupted.
CRACK!
A vicious slap landed on Chloe's cheek.
Mrs. Winston's fingers trembled.
"So you're the one who ruined my son!"
She wouldn't dare touch Sophia, but Chloe was fair game.
Grabbing her purse, Mrs. Winston rained blows.
"Because of you, Liam's suffering!"
"You homewrecking witch!"
Chloe's face reddened, humiliation complete.
She forced innocence. "Liam's my husband! He wanted to help me—AH!"
Another slap cut her off.
Mrs. Winston's nails aimed for her face. Chloe caught her wrist.
"Mom! I only said Liam was detained, not that he lost! You didn't ask!"
The words poured gasoline on flames.
"Liar! You manipulated me! Think I don't know your game?!"
The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law who'd been acting moments ago now brawled.
Their young supporter flushed with embarrassment.
He pulled Mrs. Winston back. "Is this true? Are you really... morally questionable?"
Then to Chloe: "Did you really cheat at your engagement?"
Chloe turned green. Mrs. Winston's face darkened.
The young man finally understood.
"I was blind to help liars like you!"
He looked at Sophia standing calmly nearby, guilt-ridden.
"Miss, I'm sorry. I didn't know their character."
Sophia remained unmoved.
Other deceived tourists weren't so forgiving.
Phones rose, recording.
"Playing victims while using us as weapons!"
"Nobility? Disgraceful!"
"Talking about marital love while making others pay? Shameless!"
Mrs. Winston swayed under the verbal assault.
She staggered, shrieking. "Silence! The Winstons' affairs aren't your concern! Leave!"
Sophia watched coldly.
Mrs. Winston's arrogance always overrode sense.
The crowd only grew louder.
"Who do you think you are? We're not impressed!"
"Think Winston Group rules the world? Try coming to my city!"
The jeers overwhelmed Mrs. Winston.
Chloe cursed her stupidity.
Provoking them was suicide.
She tried damage control. "Please, she's just worried—"
Swaying dramatically, she played weak.
The crowd recoiled.
"Don't touch me! Not falling for that!"
Chloe nearly fainted from rage.
These people were insane!