The women’s relentless chatter was like a barrage of slaps to May’s face, each word stinging more than the last. It wasn’t admiration they were expressing-it was mockery, pure and cruel.
May’s hand shot out, gripping John Baker’s thigh with such force that it seemed she was trying to vent all her inner fury. Listening to their words, her disappointment in John reached an all-time high. For a woman with a competitive nature like hers, this was beyond despair.
If there had been a hole nearby, she would have gladly crawled into it to escape the humiliation.
The woman called Mrs. Rayne continued, her tone dripping with irony. “But, you know, having money has its perks! A woman can only live elegantly with material support. Take that estate we visited last time, for example. It was so much fun! Without money, we wouldn’t even dare dream of going to such a place, would we? A single glass of water there costs $100. That’s not for everyone, is it? So, I say, every woman deserves a chance to splurge and go wild once in a while.”
Another woman chimed in, giggling, “Mrs. Rayne, are you saying we need to find ourselves rich husbands?”
Mrs. Rayne laughed lightly. “Well, I don’t know about that, but a man needs ambition. My ex-husband had none. I endured years of hardship with him, and it led nowhere. I was completely hopeless! That’s why I remarried. If I hadn’t been smart, who knows how much longer that old fool would’ve dragged me down? I heard he got caught stealing recently and even had the nerve to call me from jail. As if I’d care!”
She sighed dramatically before continuing, “You see, it’s not about being poor-it’s about lacking ambition. When I first met Sam, he didn’t have much either-just $10, 000 in savings. But he worked hard, and now, just a few years later, he’s doing well. He’s got at least a few hundred thousand in the bank. We’re not struggling anymore!”
Another woman quickly agreed, “Exactly! A man needs drive. Without ambition, a woman will eventually leave him.”
Every word was like a dagger stabbing into John Baker’s heart, leaving it riddled with holes. These women were ruthless, their remarks carefully aimed to drive a wedge between him and May.
John clenched and unclenched his fists repeatedly, trying to suppress his anger.
Mrs. Rayne noticed his reaction and added with a fake smile, “Oh, but of course, we’re not talking about Mr. John Baker, Mrs. Baker! You two are a couple who’ve been through thick and thin together. Your bond is strong, right? My little comments shouldn’t affect you in the slightest. You two wouldn’t consider divorce, would you? I’d hate to be blamed for causing trouble.”
Her words, though seemingly innocent, were laced with malice. The implication was clear: she was encouraging May to leave John.
If there’s one thing more dangerous than a sharp knife, it’s a woman’s tongue.
Another woman chimed in, trying to sound supportive. “Come on, Mrs. Rayne! Do you think Mrs. Baker and Mr. John Baker’s relationship is that fragile? They’ve been through so much together, coming all the way from Vernon. Look at Mrs. Baker-she’s always dressed in designer clothes and looks like a wealthy socialite. If I didn’t know better, I’d think she was some rich lady who drives luxury cars and lives in a mansion. Her skin is flawless, like a child’s, and her figure-wow, a model couldn’t compare! If she weren’t married, I bet plenty of young men would be lining up for her.”
“See? Even though life might be a bit tough for Mr. John Baker, he’s never let his wife suffer. That’s something, isn’t it? At least she’s loved.”
Mrs. Rayne laughed again, her tone dripping with insincerity. “Sure, but I still think a woman should have money to indulge herself. Mr. John Baker really needs to work harder, or he might lose Mrs. Baker to someone else!”
The women burst into laughter, their mockery echoing through the room.
John Baker was on the verge of exploding. Their words were relentless, each one a calculated attempt to humiliate him. It was unbearable.
These women were worse than thieves holding a knife to his throat. At least a thief would stop once they got what they wanted.
If only things had been different. If only he were still the man he used to be in Inassea. Back then, these women wouldn’t have dared to speak to him this way. They wouldn’t even be allowed to sit at the same table as him.
But reality was cruel. Now, he was nothing. He had to accept it. He had no choice but to endure.
Mrs. Rayne smirked, her words cutting even deeper. “Mr. Baker, Mrs. Baker, if you want what’s best for your daughter, you should consider finding her a wealthy boyfriend. Not someone insanely rich, but at least someone with a car, a house, and a decent income. A few thousand dollars a month, maybe. That way, she won’t have to struggle. Every parent wants their child to live comfortably, right?”
“Exactly! We’re just speaking from experience, trying to help. Don’t take it the wrong way.”
It’s always the same with people like this. They stab you in the heart, then smile and claim it was for your own good. And somehow, you’re supposed to thank them for their “kindness.”
The world is full of such people.
Kayden turned to look at John Baker. His uncle’s face was dark, his expression a mix of anger and helplessness. He didn’t know what to say or how to respond.
These women weren’t just mocking him-they were tearing apart his dignity, stripping away his right to even be there.
John had come here happily, hoping to introduce Kayden to his friends. But now, he realized that in their eyes, he was nothing more than a joke.
When you’re down, people will trample all over you. It’s an unchanging rule of the world.
Seeing the frustration and despair in John’s eyes, Kayden reached into his pocket and pulled out a key.
Mrs. Rayne’s voice interrupted the moment. “By the way, Mrs. Baker, what does your daughter’s boyfriend do? Does he have money? A house? A car?”
Before May could answer, Kayden stepped forward.
“First of all,” he said firmly, “I’m not Emma’s boyfriend. John Baker is my uncle. Secondly, John Baker does have a house. Not just any house, but a villa in Alaric Center. I don’t know its exact value, but I’m pretty sure it could buy ten of the houses here.”