Chapter 47: Vanessa Ward Shrieked Hysterically

"Who said I'd marry you? You're Elena's fiancé! I'd rather die than marry scum like you!" Vanessa Ward shrieked hysterically, her voice cracking. She remembered Grandma's warnings—Derek Harlan was a gambling, womanizing drunk, the worst kind of trash. Marrying him would ruin her life.

Several nosy aunties stopped in their tracks.

"My, my, Vanessa, that's quite the accusation," Aunt Elizabeth Ward said with a sly smile, eyes darting between them. "If Derek really is Elena's fiancé, what were you doing rolling around with your sister's man? That's downright shameless!"

"Absolutely disgraceful!"

"Vanessa, have you lost your mind? Spouting such nonsense—you're bringing shame to the family!"

Agnes Ward frantically intervened, stomping her foot. "The girl's just embarrassed you all saw her quarreling with her fiancé. As married women, surely you understand young lovers' tiffs?" She swallowed her anger—with so many witnesses, denying Derek as their son-in-law would destroy Vanessa's reputation.

Derek's eyes gleamed as he plastered on a grin. "Ladies, I was originally engaged to Elena, but she's a college girl—too good for a rough fellow like me. Vanessa's been kind, and I've grown fond of her. Young passion, you know..." He lowered his voice conspiratorially, "Blame the drink—got my blood running hot..."

The aunties tittered, the scandal smoothed over by his silver tongue.

When Vanessa opened her mouth to protest, Derek wheeled around with a glare so vicious it silenced her instantly.

"Mom, why don't you see the ladies out while Vanessa and I... tidy up," Derek said sweetly, addressing Agnes as "Mom" with nauseating familiarity.

The endearment made Agnes's stomach churn. Who wanted a degenerate like him for a son-in-law?

Forcing a smile, she ushered the women out, dragging Elena's name into it: "If only Elena had stayed to watch Vanessa properly, this wouldn't have happened..."

"Elena was here?" someone perked up.

"Where is she?" The crowd buzzed with gossipy excitement.

Agnes sighed dramatically. "When I left earlier, Elena and Derek were talking inside. Next thing I know..." She was determined to implicate Elena.

"Auntie, I've been tending to Grandma in her room this whole time," Elena said suddenly from the doorway, holding a damp towel. "Don't smear my name to cover up Vanessa's disgrace."

Agnes jumped. "Goodness, child, you scared me—"

"Today of all days," Elena said tearfully, "when I just got engaged to Lieutenant Adrian Stone. Are you trying to drive me to my grave with these lies?" She turned to the crowd. "Judge for yourselves—I'm innocent! I won't bear false accusations!"

Mayor Martin Reed stepped forward. "Agnes, think before you speak. Everyone knows Elena's character."

Security Chief Mercer Jackson added pointedly, "Exactly. Elena's a decent girl—unlike some." His gaze flicked toward Vanessa's room.

Agnes trembled with rage. "Mayor, Chief, just because Elena helped you once doesn't mean you can favor her! Earlier, she clearly—"

"Then let Derek come out and confront me!" Elena said firmly. "I won't admit to what I didn't do!"

Mayor Reed nodded grimly. "Good idea. Elena's right—no innocent person should be slandered."

Elena wiped her tears. "Auntie, I know you and Uncle Calvin resent me moving out because there's fewer hands to work. But ruining my reputation? Tonight, you insisted I come care for Grandma—I haven't left her side."

"Enough!" Agnes shook with fury. "Elena, your silver tongue wins. Derek! Get out here and explain!"

"Derek Harlan!"