The executive halted his steps.

Every gaze in the banquet hall focused on Mina Sherwood.

Fiona Valentine raised an eyebrow in feigned surprise. "What did you say, Director Sherwood?"

Mina suppressed the churning discomfort in her stomach and repeated clearly. "I'm pregnant. I can't drink."

The executive was immediately flustered. "Oh... I'm sorry, I didn't know... Please, rest well."

He hastily put away the wine glass.

Mina was about to turn away when Fiona's voice rang out again. "Director Sherwood, if I recall correctly, you're not married, are you?"

The air instantly froze.

All eyes dropped to Mina's abdomen.

Penelope Valentine spoke softly. "Why would you ask that, sister? Since Director Sherwood has announced her pregnancy, she must be getting married soon. Who is the fortunate groom?"

Countless stares pinned Mina in place.

Mina's jaw tightened. "That is my private matter."

Penelope gave a light laugh. "Private? In families like ours, marriages are always public matters. Is Director Sherwood's fiancé someone who cannot be seen?"

Fiona immediately sneered. "Could it be that even you yourself don't know who it is? I've heard Director Sherwood's private life is quite... vibrant..."

Whispers instantly spread through the crowd.

"Pregnant before marriage?"

"Has the Sherwood family branch stopped disciplining their daughters after the split?"

"She often drank with clients to discuss business before. I didn't expect her to be so wild..."

"If the man were responsible, he would have made it public by now. Why is there no commitment?"

"Could it be true, like Fiona said? Does she really not know who the father is?"

"I've heard some high-society parties get very wild. Groups of men and women..."

"A child conceived in that situation... It really would be impossible to determine the father..."

"She's going to ruin the Sherwood family's century-old reputation!"

Mina's face was pale.

These vile words coiled around her like poisonous snakes.

She clenched her fists, wanting to leave.

Miles Sherwood suddenly pushed through the crowd.

He had heard the discussion. His face was dark with anger.

The Sherwood family still had several unmarried daughters. They could not be tainted by this scandal.

He blocked Mina's path. "Stop! You must clarify this today. Whose child is it?"

Mina instinctively glanced toward a corner of the banquet hall.

Marcus Valentine leaned against a wine table, leisurely swirling his champagne glass.

He had clearly heard the commotion, but didn't even lift an eyelid.

As if that glass of wine was more important than her life or death.

A bitter taste rose in Mina's heart.

In his eyes, this child belonged to someone else.

Why would he ever stand up for her?

She lowered her eyes. "Elder Brother..."

"Don't call me that!" Miles demanded harshly. "Speak! Who is the bastard's father?"

Mina's head snapped up.

She scanned the surrounding faces filled with schadenfreude, and suddenly let out a cold laugh. "The country allows unmarried childbirth. Are you all still living in the Qing dynasty?"

Miles trembled with rage.

Fiona covered her mouth with a light laugh. "The Sherwood family is indeed very progressive. The girls in our Valentine family have to report if they go out after 10 PM..."

Before she could finish.

Slap!

A sharp slap landed hard on Mina's face.

Mina covered her stinging cheek, looking at Miles in disbelief.

Miles's eyes were icy. "This slap is for your lack of self-respect! Speak! Who is that man!"

In the corner, Marcus Valentine finally set down his glass.

His knuckles were slightly white.