On the enormous LED screen, a vaguely ambiguous couple was displayed. The top-notch surround sound system emitted suggestive and alluring whispers that sparked the imagination. The woman's silhouette revealed her flawless figure and immaculate, tender skin.

As if moved by emotion, the man turned around, and the faces of the two individuals became clear before everyone's eyes. Alison stared blankly at the screen, feeling as though a sharp blade had been thrust into her heart, causing an unbearable pain.

The couple on the screen consisted of her fiancé, Zein Williams, and her best friend, Samantha Ford. Both were standing by her side showing how important they are to her. Today, in this moment, however, was supposed to be Alison and Zein's engagement ceremony.

The large screen had just played a slideshow of photos capturing moments from Alison and Zein's childhood. Accompanied by the sentimental narration of the host, several pictures had been shown. Starting from when Alison was three years old and Zein was seven, the images progressed. But just before reaching Alison's tenth birthday, the tone abruptly changed. The innocent childhood pictures had been replaced by explicit and intimate scenes of two people.

"Ahh!" A sharp scream rang out as Samantha, who had been standing beside Alison, rushed into Zein's arms a few steps away. If anyone had failed to recognize the two individuals in the video before, because of her sudden shout which startled the guests, it was now crystal clear. Alison remained frozen in place, while another woman had appeared in Zein's embrace.

Among the guests, chaos erupted.

"What's going on? Isn't that woman Alison's best friend?"

"Yeah, is Miss Steinfield being cheated on?"

"Oh, this woman's figure is quite nice, though! Quite appealing."

"What's happening?!" Shouted Lawrence Heartwell, storming up to stand in front of the LED screen. However, with a height of just over one meter seventy, he looked comical in front of the towering three-meter-high screen.

Robert Williams, Zein's father, had his face had turned red like a liver, but he was quicker to react than Lawrence. He charged towards the control room behind the screen to turn it off.

Samantha was sobbing softly, looking at Alison in heartbroken despair. "Alison, didn't you promise me not to pursue this matter anymore? I promised you that I would leave Zein and this city after your engagement. Why? Why do you have to make it so public? Are you really forcing me to die in humiliation?"

Zein, initially awkward about Samantha suddenly clinging to him, now held her tightly. "Samantha, what are you saying? Alison is forcing you to leave? Forcing you to never appear after this?"

It seems like a sound of clashing gold reached Alison's ears, a resounding clang that left her bewildered as she gazed at Zein. This man, her betrothed since childhood, someone she had known she would walk alongside for her entire life. When had he been with Samantha? And when had she agreed not to pursue Samantha's actions anymore?

Why is Samantha acting like she knew their affairs behind her back? What was going on? What were they saying?

"Alison, how can you be so malicious? Framing even your fiancé and best friend!" Zein's sister, Zania Williams, pushed Alison from behind, and caught off guard, she stumbled backward, ending up next to Lawrence.

With an angry expression, Lawrence raised his hand and delivered a slap. "Beast! Look at what you've done! You've brought shame upon both of our families!"

Alison had barely regained her balance when she was knocked to the ground by the slap. Zein hurried to help her, but Samantha clung tightly to his arm, not letting him go.

Alison turned her head and saw a glint of triumph in Samantha's eyes.

"Hey, Brother Lawrence, how can you hit your child? Alison, get up quickly." A pair of large hands helped Alison to her feet.

Robert sighed. "Alison, don't blame your father for getting angry. You've gone too far with this, it's really excessive."

However, Mrs. Williams pointed accusingly at Samantha. "Where did this little bitch come from? She must have seduced Zein. Get lost, I won't allow you to step into my house."

Terrified, Samantha shrank behind Zein. Zein stood in front of her, blocking her from her mother's sight and said, "Mom, don't blame Samantha." He then turned to Alison, "Alison, Samantha is your best friend. You can't force her into a corner like this!"

With the support of her father-in-law, Robert, Alison finally steadied herself. A tear inadvertently slipped down her cheek. She looked at Zein, the man she had loved all her life, and suddenly realized how unfamiliar he had become.

Indeed, Samantha was her best friend. He knew that, yet they had both betrayed her and accused her of what? Like everyone else, she doesn't even know what was going on.

"Alison, I never thought you were such a two-faced person. Brother, how can you engage with someone like her? You might end up in a bad situation after marriage! She's truly vicious!" Zania glared fiercely at Alison and spoke to her older brother.

Zania and Alison were high school classmates, and Zania had never liked her. She had always bullied her, often teaming up with Lia Heartwell, her stepsister. The idea of Alison becoming her sister-in-law had always been a thorn in Zania's side.

"Shut up! Alison is the young lady of the Steinfield family. Who is this wench? Does she have Alison's background? How can our Williams family marry someone without status?" Mrs. Williams quickly stopped her daughter, her emotions causing her to forget her volume.

Mrs. Williams didn't necessarily like Alison, but she cared deeply about her social status. Marrying Alison would greatly benefit her son's future. Looking around, there was no better match for Zein among these elite families. More importantly, despite her high status, Alison was meek and easy to control.

Hence, she immediately made her stance clear. The Williams family couldn't lose this daughter-in-law. She had to make it that she will never be able to leave this marriage!

Just a moment ago, Alison had felt grateful that her future mother-in-law had spoken up for her. But now, she realized the true nature of Mrs. Williams' intentions.

"Yeah! Big Sis, you're the young lady of the Steinfield family. What you're doing also affects the reputation of the Steinfield, Heartwell, and William families!" Lia feigned distress.

"Alison, you've really let down your father's love for you. You've hurt his heart so badly." Meredith's soft voice was neither too loud nor too soft, carrying a hint of sadness.

The words of these mother and daughter made Lawrence and Robert's expressions even more grim. This child was truly ungrateful! Family matters should not be exposed to the public eye.