05

5

As the crowd watched intently, I retrieved an elegantly carved box made of sandalwood that I had prepared beforehand. I presented it to Stephen, saying sincerely, "This is a Walton family treasure. I had planned to give it to Kian as my chosen heir."

"Although he doesn't recognize me as his mother, in my heart, he'll always be my child. I'm presenting this heirloom to you as a gesture of goodwill for your family's unity and joy."

Stephen's expression shifted to one of shock and disbelief. After a brief pause, he cautiously accepted the box and lifted the lid. Inside lay an ancient, worn golden lock.

The onlookers were astonished.

"Is that really the Walton family heirloom? Has Daphne gone mad? She's even wishing well to these ungrateful people?"

"She must have cracked under the strain. Who could withstand such betrayal from their spouse and child?"

"This is heartbreaking. To care so deeply for her husband and son, only to have them take everything and abandon her like this..."

"But this is too submissive! Why doesn't she retaliate?"

"Precisely! She's the epitome of a pushover—giving her all and ending up with nothing!"

The audience couldn't conceal their contempt for me.

Rosie sarcastically applauded and taunted, "Daphne, when you used to support me financially, I thought you were just a wealthy fool. But today, you've truly amazed me. You're not just foolish—you're the most pathetic doormat I've ever encountered!"

Kian scowled with revulsion and said, "I'm relieved you're not my birth mother. You're a disgrace!"

Stephen sighed in frustration. "Daphne, marrying you was the worst decision of my life. From now on, don't tell anyone you know me. I can't risk being linked to someone like you."

With that, Stephen put his arm around Rosie, and together with my son, they exited the press conference without a backward glance.

As expected, the event spread like wildfire on social media, and I quickly became the top trending subject.

The journalists had broadcast everything live, and people nationwide witnessed my humiliation. Internet users were outraged on my behalf. "Was this woman born desperate for male approval? She actually groveled for that worthless husband?"

"Absolutely! They trampled her, and she still wished them well? I'm livid!"

"I can't fathom how pitiful she is. How could anyone endure this?!"

"Can we stop sharing such infuriating stories? My blood pressure can't handle it!"

The internet was abuzz with anger. Some expressed sympathy for me, while others criticized me for being spineless.

A few kind-hearted individuals even reached out, offering to help me profit from my story by streaming my "misfortune" to gain sympathy and recoup some losses.