Over ten days later, the engagement banquet was held again.

Due to the previous scandal, only a small number of business people were invited this time.

Even when Shen Li brought the betrothal gifts—cash and the traditional "six bridal items"—to the Zhou family, they entered through the side gate of the Zhou residence.

Only a few young members of the Shen family attended to join the fun, as the couple couldn't be bothered to attend.

Thus, Zhou Lin naturally became the representative of the parental generation.

During the guests' conversations, he stood at the forefront.

I stood by like a proper ornament, gently cooperating.

These shrewd old men praised Zhou Ning'er's new fiancé endlessly, as if they had never mocked Zhou Lin for picking an unruly son-in-law.

The lights dimmed, and the master's steady voice echoed through the hall.

After the engagement ceremony began, both parties read and signed the engagement documents.

Zhou Ning'er lifted her skirt and walked onto the stage, accepting the microphone.

She suddenly looked at Zhou Lin, sitting in the front row, and then at me by his side.

"I'm very grateful and will cherish the good marriage my father has arranged for me. This is also an important turning point in my life.

"However, before proceeding to the next step of the ceremony, I have something to ask."

At the same time, her gaze shifted to my face.

Her delicate face smiled exceptionally radiant, carrying a hint of naive malice.

"Lin Jiao Jiao, when will you marry my father?

"It's my mother's death anniversary in a few days. How about we look at that day?"

Upon hearing this, the guests couldn't help but gasp.

The faces of Zhou Lin's late wife's family members turned even darker.

All eyes were on me.

I seemed to ignore them.

I looked up, innocently gazing at Zhou Ning'er.

"Ning'er, I don't want to steal the spotlight on your most important day. Can we talk about this later at home, okay?"

She giggled, the malice in her eyes growing deeper.

"You've stayed by my dad's side for five years and haven't secured a status. Are you anxious because I said a few words?

"Today is a good day with so many people around.

"Then let everyone see your true nature, so my dad can give up on you.

"I don't want a filthy stepmother without reason."

My face showed extreme panic, as if a secret had been exposed.

"What are you doing, Ning'er? I'm Ah Lin's woman; you can't do anything to me!"

Her reaction to my words made her even more excited.

"Show it quickly, let them see what a cheap woman she is!"

Shen Li seemed to want to stop it but was grabbed by Zhou Ning'er.

The luxurious projection screen switched to a video on a cloud drive, and what caught the eye was my bare face.

It was in front of a hotel.

I was holding the hand of a bundled-up little girl, seemingly waiting for someone.

After a few seconds, a tall man walked out with his back to the camera.

He stood in front of me, seeming to want to hold my hand, but was rejected.

I stepped back with the little girl, looking around, and retreated into the hotel.

The man followed us into the hotel.

The video ended, Zhou Ning'er's smile grew even more radiant as she pointed at me and sneered.

"Tell us, you not only hid from my dad to see another man but also had a daughter with him.

"That's not all; you then came to my dad for money like a dog. It's truly disgusting; I've never seen such a shameless woman."

Zhou Lin stared at the screen with bloodshot eyes, his veins bulging.

Slowly turning his head to me, his eyes were filled with suppressed rage.

"Tell me, what is going on here?"

Ten days ago, his biological daughter's scandal had already made him unable to lift his head.

Now, the woman he considered a plaything was also trying to betray him.

Zhou Lin was on the edge of madness.

He grabbed the back of my neck, squeezing hard as if he wanted to crush me in his palm, while slapping my face with his other hand.

"Speak! Are you involved with another man?"

Tears flowed from my eyes, covering my face as I cried.

Zhou Ning'er watched excitedly from the stage, even clapping her hands.

"Haha! What an adorable little canary, finally having its neck broken and thrown out!"

I was firmly held by Zhou Lin, unable to move.

The corner of my mouth, slapped red and swollen, stood out starkly against my pale skin.

He stared hatefully at my face, about to fling me to the ground forcefully.

At that moment, the guests let out another gasp—

As Zhou Ning'er was distracted, a little girl suddenly ran out from behind the curtains.

She was wearing the same dress as in the video.

Stumbling, she ran towards me, crying for her mother, trying to grab my hand.

Zhou Lin frowned, about to kick her away.

The girl suddenly looked at him with clear eyes.

And in a crisp voice, she said something that shocked everyone:

"Daddy!"

At that moment, Zhou Lin froze.

Zhou Ning'er on the stage was also stunned.

She looked incredulously at the six-year-old girl below, her voice shaking.

"Daddy? Where did this bastard come from? Who is your daddy?"