His Devious Rule

Helping people in need and pretending to be virtuous in front of strangers are two different things. Whether people judge her or not, Anya had walked too far from being sociable. Hence she was naturally distant when she entered the hall.

She knew those eyes with enviousness or admiration or hatred were because of Alvin and his high status. He could have owned all the attention but he was adamant about sharing with her.

Whereas Alvin never cared about these people. These were the ones who approach you when you are shining like the brightest star or else watch the drama just like how they watched Gianna\'s reputation crumble. Hence those people were more or less invisible to him unless they dare to offend him.

Zane likes his own space and the set of people he interacts with. So the eyes of people judging him or exclaiming at him were just annoying flies in the garden where he goes to play. Thus Zane was wondering if they were going to have dinner in the banquet hall or somewhere else.

The visible line was drawn around the three with Rob following Zane at just two steps behind, no one dared to approach him. Fawning over them didn\'t seem like a good option after they sent Gianna to the police station. Hence they just admired their view, if not turn green in envy.

Ean had thought those three were absconding so he was glad to see them arrive in a simple, yet most unforgettable appearance. Taking the microphone, he proceeded towards them. He wanted Alvin to say something like ignore whatever happened some time ago and enjoy the party.

Well, Ean would be a fool to have that expectation. Alvin might end up saying, get out if you don\'t want to be here. Thus, Ean wasn\'t going to risk giving the microphone to Alvin.

Nevertheless, his eyes fell on Anya. A fluffy ball turning into a snow princess was eye-opening. He had arranged clothes according to her size. He didn\'t expect to see her slaying the fit.

"Let\'s welcome the king and queen of the day with their young prince," Ean announced, taking his job as host perfectly.

Some guests clapped and some guests tapped their glasses with a spoon making a clicking noise.

Turning the microphone off, Ean ignored this friend and looked at Anya, "Anya, could you speak some words addressing the crowd?"

Anya had no idea she would have to say something. So she raised her brows at Alvin. Ean spoke seeing her reaction, "You guys sent Gianna Sallow in front of all. A few words to balance out."

Anya nodded as she received the microphone. Alvin had no objection if she wanted to say something. He glared at his friend who brought up Gianna\'s attainment to easily convince Anya.

Anya looked at her little boy who smiled when he met her eyes. They couldn\'t hide about Gianna from him so she chose to address it in front of her son. Her eyes brushed over the crowd who were silent and all ears.

"After intense training, I had an interview before the final selection for a special officer. I was asked a question if I will protect my parents if they are found to be guilty of a crime." Her voice wasn\'t lively or controlling. It was low and pulled the attention of people.

Everyone became curious. Ninety percent of them were rich. So they were curious about what a daughter of a middle-class family would do to her parents.

Zane held Anya\'s hand and tilted his head to listen to her response. Anya loved her parents. Either she will have to protect her parents or betray her job. If she betrayed her job, was she considered as loyal to her job?

Anya pulled him closer as she continued, "I either could be a daughter or an officer at that moment of life. I couldn\'t arrest my parents and I wouldn\'t betray my job."

In higher society, they would protect their criminal parents. That\'s what they see, that\'s what they name filial piety. Anya gave her response, "So I chose to respond as I would quit my job and try to prove the innocence of my parents."

Zane liked her response. That\'s the mommy he knew. But why was she talking about it?

Alvin shoved his hands into his pant pockets and watched her. Accurately guessing what she was going to say next. "My chief officer didn\'t choose to ask the easiest question, which is what will I do if my son\'s life is in danger."

Everyone looked at each other realizing she was talking about Gianna. Zane frowned, realizing Anya was talking about the prank call to Butler\'s phone.

Anya added coldly, "They knew I would make sure that person won\'t step out of the prison." That\'s exactly what she did and she wasn\'t embarrassed by it to hide from them.

Many gasped realizing what Gianna was going to face. Ean whispered next to Alvin, "Your wife is scaring people."

Alvin hummed, "I\'m impressed." Impressed that she was warning people to stay out of their life.

Ean: "…"

Anya calmed her voice and continued, "We shouldn\'t let these negative thoughts drive us and affect our emotions. Everyone is gathered here out of curiosity, with some intention or to enjoy." She glanced at the two men behind her and added, "So let\'s not waste the efforts of these two gentlemen and have a good evening."

Anya, Alvin, and even Rob frowned when a waiter tried to serve her Champagne.

Anya wanted to ask if Alvin or Ean instructed it as raising toast is common. Anyway, she grabbed the flute and the waiter left. She raised the toast for her husband, "To my husband."

Although Alvin was suspicious, his lips were threatening to arc when he heard her. Ean chuckled as he also joined the other guests to lift their glasses and sip their drinks.

Anya almost sipped but paused. She couldn\'t get drunk. So the champagne barely went between her lips. She knows it was impolite but she didn\'t want to take a chance when she was suspicious of the event management company.

Krystle reached Anya and hugged her, "Hey, why didn\'t you tell me you are so hot?"

Anya: "…"

Zane interjected, without liking the word hot, "Kryst, Mommy is beautiful."

Krystle chuckled. She controlled her urge to grab him and kiss him chubby cheeks, "Look who\'s talking." Then she flirted with Zane, "Hey, handsome."

Zane glanced at Anya and reciprocated politely, "Kryst looks gorgeous."

Krystle was pleased with the little man\'s compliment. She noticed Anya just holding the glass, "Bad Annie. You should drink what you toast for your husband." Or else it looks like she was just words and didn\'t mean it.

Before Alvin, Anya or Rob could react, Krystle emptied the champagne into Anya\'s mouth. Anya clenched her teeth, unable to swallow the champagne. But she couldn\'t spit it in front of all. So she had to swallow forcefully.

Rob was keeping an eye on the waiter until Krystle\'s actions. When he looked around, he wasn\'t able to locate the waiter. He immediately made a call without wasting time, "Rick, check where the waiter went after giving the drink to young madam."

[On it.]

Rob ended the call. He didn\'t want to get overly cautious but his sixth sense was kicking him that something was going wrong with the drink.