Elder Valentine's heavy gaze fell upon Evelyn.

"What do you have to say about this?"

Evelyn understood he wanted her to address the crowd.

A slight smile touched her lips.

"I was young and naive, and I met the wrong person. I've long since come to my senses."

Her cool gaze swept across the room.

"Why should a hero's origins matter? Why can't a woman start over?"

Her voice was clear and sharp.

"A reformed sinner is the most righteous of all. Does that saying only apply to men?"

The guests were taken aback.

Upon reflection, it was true.

Society was always more forgiving toward men.

A mistake could be washed away with a show of remorse.

Isabella's daughter immediately flared up.

"The price a woman pays in marriage is too high! Do you think pretty words can restore your reputation?"

She challenged Evelyn.

"Then ask everyone here! Is there a single man willing to marry you?!"

Elder Valentine's eyes scanned the room.

Most attendees were Valentine family connections.

There were plenty of eligible bachelors present.

Some immediately looked down, avoiding eye contact.

Marrying a divorced woman with a child was too much trouble.

But some from declining families saw an opportunity.

This was a Valentine daughter.

With Elder Valentine's favor and the brothers' lavish gifts, she could secure their future.

One man stirred, ready to stand up.

Instantly, seven pairs of icy eyes locked onto him.

The seven Valentine brothers stared him down.

Not a word was spoken, but the message was clear.

How dare you aspire to a Valentine daughter?

The man immediately shrank back into his seat.

Those from high-status families disdained to speak.

Those from lower-status families didn't dare.

After Isabella's daughter's challenge, silence filled the room.

Ethan Valentine grew frantic, signaling his best friend.

He didn't understand why his uncle allowed this woman to slander his cousin.

But family must not be humiliated.

Unfortunately, his friend had his back turned.

He missed the signal completely.

Ethan was at a loss.

Sweat beaded on his forehead.

He looked at Charles Valentine.

What about your friends? Get one to support our sister!

Charles shook his phone, replying with a look.

I texted them. No one replied! These fair-weather friends!

Ethan was exasperated.

He wished he could disguise himself and stand up right then.

The other brothers were equally anxious.

Only Marcus Valentine remained calm, sipping his drink.

Ethan couldn't help complaining.

"Big brother, why aren't you worried at all?"

Marcus finished his drink.

"Why worry? The dowry hasn't arrived yet."

Once the dowry arrived, everyone would know which Valentine daughter was marrying into the Vance family.

His uncle allowed this public shaming for a reason.

Grace's past was indeed stained.

A foolish romantic, an unwed mother, nearly swindled out of her fortune...

The elite would only see her as a fool.

This shallow society never pities the weak.

Even with the Valentine name, she wouldn't gain respect without a complete image overhaul.

She had to tear open her own wounds.

Then she had to slap everyone in the face with the truth.

Isabella's daughter saw no one respond and smirked.

"See? No one of quality wants damaged goods!"

She turned to Evelyn.

"But Grace, if you want to marry, I have the perfect candidate!"

She looked toward Penelope Valentine.

Penelope immediately lowered her head, avoiding the gaze.

But she secretly pulled out her phone and sent a text.

Soon, footsteps echoed at the entrance.

A man and a woman appeared at the banquet hall doors.

It was Grace's ex-husband, Zack Davis, and his mother!

A dark glint flashed in Penelope's eyes.

This was the "surprise" she prepared for Grace.

It would humiliate her at her own recognition gala.

Zack and Mrs. Davis were led inside, faces plastered with obsequious smiles.

Mrs. Davis had never seen such luxury.

Her eyes were wide with greed.

They had been living miserably.

Kelsey Lopez was all sweetness before the divorce.

Afterward, her true colors showed.

She fought with Mrs. Davis constantly.

Zack did nothing but drink and smoke all day.

A few days ago, Kelsey finally snapped.

She tried to throw them both out.

Only then did Mrs. Davis remember Grace's goodness.

Grace did all the housework.

She never had to worry about the child.

The meals were always warm and delicious...

Compared to their current wretched existence, she was filled with regret.

Mrs. Davis stared at the banquet food, swallowing hard.

Kelsey withheld their allowance.

She hadn't eaten a full meal in ages...

She had gone to the Nan family villa to find Grace, but security threw her out...

Forcing down the urge to rush the food, she followed Zack to the main table.

Spotting Evelyn, her eyes lit up.

She rushed forward to grab her arm.

"Daughter-in-law! I finally found you! That bitch Kelsey is horrible! I was wrong! Come home with me!"

Evelyn coldly avoided her touch.

Her mocking gaze shifted to Penelope.

Penelope guiltily looked away.

Elder Valentine saw everything.

He frowned deeply, sighing inwardly.

This adopted daughter... perhaps could not be kept any longer.