His ego would be hurt

Of course, none of them questioned whether the story was true. After all, Hua Ling herself had told them about it in the most pitiful and heart-wrenching way possible, her beautiful eyes glistening with unshed tears.

It never even crossed their minds that Hua Ling might have fabricated the entire event, twisting reality to paint herself as the helpless victim and Hua Jing as the cruel, scheming villain.

The women exchanged smug glances, their excitement barely contained.

"Just wait until she arrives," one of them whispered, a sly smile creeping onto her lips. "She won't be able to escape the shame we have in store for her."

---