Chapter 286

"Annabelle, why are your eyes red?"

Yvonne rushed over in three quick strides, pulling Annabelle into a tight embrace. "Did Alexander upset you again? You've known each other since childhood—you know exactly how he is. He used to indulge you, but now that you're about to get married, you should rein in that temper of yours..."

Annabelle frantically waved her hands. "No, we didn't fight. Yvonne, why did you come see Dr. Carter?"

Her voice trembled with panic. "I told you not to seek her out. Why would you—"

"I couldn't take it anymore!" Yvonne's expression darkened instantly. "She's divorced yet still clinging to men—asking Alexander for favors while planning a wedding with someone else. That two-faced gold-digger deserves to be called out every time I see her!"

"Hey, hey, hey!" Vivian stepped forward. "Miss Young, how many sugar daddies has your precious Annabelle reeled in over the years? Need me to refresh your memory? Or are you just begging for a reality check?"

Yvonne flushed with rage. "Annabelle isn't like that! She's just outgoing and gets along well with guys."

"Bullshit! Stop playing innocent. Want me to summon witnesses? Fine, just wait—"

Vivian pulled out her phone, ready to dial.

Yvonne snapped, "What are you doing?"

"Calling backup," Vivian sneered. "And maybe a few reporters. Remember when Mrs. Hamilton's mixed-race stillbirth trended? I’ll give the media even juicier campus scandals this time. Guaranteed to crash Hamilton Group's stocks again. Hope Alexander’s prepared for the fallout..."

Seeing Alexander's stormy expression, Annabelle quickly covered Vivian's mouth. "Miss Dempsey, aim your anger at me. Don’t drag Alexander or his company into this."

"Who the hell are you?" Vivian jabbed a finger at Yvonne. "If you want peace, control your little friend. Depression? Since when is that a free pass for bad behavior?"

Yvonne shrieked, "I have depression! The hospital diagnosed me!"

"Look at you today—screaming like a banshee. Where’s the depression now?"

"It’s smiling depression!"

Vivian burst out laughing. "How creative. Maybe I’ll get a psych eval too—see if I can murder you scot-free."

Yvonne stomped her foot. "You—!"

"Enough, Yvonne!" Annabelle yanked her back.

Yvonne struggled. "I’m defending you! They’re slandering you right in front of Alexander—"

"You... Ugh..."

Vivian clapped mockingly. "Keep going! Alexander should hear exactly how pure his fiancée really is..."

"Annabelle is perfect! Why else would Alexander wait twenty years for her? Question me all you want, but never doubt his judgment!"