The Chaos

Murmurs spread quickly, drawing more attention to the conversation.

"Isn't she also rumoured to be Paul's ex-girlfriend? The lawyer at their firm who resigned?" one voice whispered.

"Is she?"

"Didn't you hear she married a nobody? Why would she marry a nobody instead of Paul Smith?"

"I heard she's an illegitimate daughter! Did you notice how the Claytons didn't even bother to properly introduce her to everyone?" someone whispered nearby, adding fuel to the fire.

Rain kept her composure, but the words stung. She had grown used to this kind of gossip, yet it never failed to remind her of her estranged relationship with her family. The atmosphere around her felt thick with judgmental stares and whispers.

"Yes, Rain," Dina chimed in, her tone smug. "Be grateful that Mr. Michael Astor is even willing to take you back. If I were you, I'd divorce that useless husband of yours. The Astor family is a better choice!"