Beyond the Divorce by Third Blossom

The crowd gasped. Even Lauren closed her eyes, bracing for the inevitable. A dark figure suddenly appeared, blocking her from harm's way and embracing her tightly. A glass of wine splashed on that figure, staining the floor red.

Everyone looked at the man holding Lauren. Surprisingly, it was Oliver.

The murmurs among the townsfolk had been widespread, stating that Oliver had refused to marry Lauren.

I silently sighed with relief.

Harmony, who had undergone extensive cosmetic procedures and had been trailing behind Oliver, stood frozen. Her eyes were fixed on the unfolding drama.

She could dream on if she thought she could flirt with Oliver!

Lauren opened her eyes, and was surprised to find herself in Oliver's embrace. She hesitated for a moment before pushing him away.

Oliver immediately held her waist and gently cradled her face. His eyes were filled with concern. "Lauren, are you hurt?"

The onlookers were dumbfounded, struggling to comprehend the situation. Some were already whispering and gossiping among themselves.

Oliver, still holding Lauren tightly, turned to the troublesome couple. With a low growl, he said, "You've got quite the nerve to try and lay hands on my woman."

Philip, upon realizing his blunder, stammed, "Mr. Oliver, i-it's my fault for not properly disciplining my wife. I..."

"Is an apology enough?" Oliver was genuinely angry. "Do you have any idea what you've done by harming my woman in public?"

Lauren's face shifted between pale and flushed upon feeling Oliver's grip.

Perhaps it had been too long since Oliver had held her. She did not attempt to free herself from his embrace.

Seeing Lauren's futile struggles, I gave up on any attempts to intervene.

Oliver's expression darkened even further. "If you can't keep your woman in check, you're not fit for anything."

Philip's knees almost buckled at Oliver's words. He had offended one of the Biggest tycoons in Foswood,

the one who controlled the financial lifelines of all businesses.

Evelyn was also taken aback when she recognized Oliver. She now faced the wrath of both her husband and the formidable Oliver Hansen.

Perhaps in an attempt to salvage

some pride, she foolishly said, "It's

not just me that said it. Everyone is saying that she's just a mistress with no place here. She's jusDa where!"

Gasps filled the air as everyone was astonished by her audacity. Covering their mouths, they turned to look at Philip.

I couldn't help but smirk at Evelyn's foolishness. She dared to provoke Oliver further.

"Shut your mouth!" Oliver roared.

Philip, now desperate, pointed at his wife and yelled, "Shut up!"

Evelyn was defiant. "I didn't say anything wrong, did I? She's just a shameless homewrecker, a slut. You guys should—"

Philip slapped Evelyn across the face and shouted, "Shut up! You're embarrassing! I was seeking Ms. Lauren's help for something. How dare you slander her? You're a disgrace!"

Evelyn stumbled back after being slapped by Philip, holding her face.

Facing the accusing crowd, she tried to defend herself, "You actually hit me? I-I didn't make it up. Everyone was saying the same thing! They are all saying it!"

I caught the hidden message in her words. Stepping forward, I asked her, "Who are you talking about?"