It was only at that moment that Gabriela recognized the woman she had helped. She was Alexander's mistress.

"Hurry, go get—"

Before Gabriela could finish calling for security, someone shoved her aside, and the young woman's frantic voice rang out.

"You're looking for a woman, right? Take her instead!"

The sudden betrayal stunned Gabriela. She stared in disbelief at how quickly the woman turned on her, even after being helped.

The young woman barely made it a few steps before one of the men grabbed her again.

"You're so ungrateful. She helped you out of kindness, and this is how you thank her?" He spoke lightly, almost teasing, while his eyes stayed on Gabriela, studying her from head to toe.

"What a beauty."

Her clear skin, long legs, and striking features made her stand out instantly.

Drawn in by her appearance, the man stepped closer without hesitation.

"Hey, gorgeous. How about we get along? Say yes, and I'll deal with her for you. Sounds fair?"

His eyes flickered with intent as his hand reached toward her shoulder.

"Alright," Gabriela replied, a faint smile forming, though it carried no warmth. She caught his wrist, leaned forward, and flipped him onto the floor in one smooth motion.

Without wasting time, she picked up a bottle and smashed it against the wall. The sharp sound cut through the air.

Holding the broken glass toward them, her gaze turned cold and dangerous. "Anyone else want to try?"

Her sudden move shocked them, and none of the men dared step forward. Eventually, they scattered.

At the same time, Alexander started to feel uneasy. He stood up and began looking for his mistress, and the disturbance nearby drew his attention. When he arrived, he saw everything that had just happened.

"Alex, I'm so scared!" As soon as the young woman saw him, she pulled away from the man gripping her and rushed into his arms, tears pouring down her face.

"What happened?" Concern filled Alexander's expression as he gently wiped away her tears.

With a hesitant glance toward Gabriela, the young woman, Kylie Palmer, spoke in a small voice. "She wasn't the one behind this..."

Instead of reassuring him, that explanation only deepened Alexander's suspicion.

"Ella, why are you here?" he asked, disbelief clear in his tone.

In his mind, Gabriela never stepped into places like this, so there could only be one reason. She must have followed him.

Everything suddenly made sense to him. He assumed she had found out about his affair and arranged for these men to trap her.

Any trace of guilt he once felt disappeared, replaced by a look of clear disapproval.

"When did you become this cruel? She's an innocent woman. She isn't a threat to you. You're going too far."

Hearing his accusations, Gabriela found the situation absurd, almost laughable. "Do you even hear what you're saying?"

How could he still act so self-righteous after being caught cheating?

Alexander's expression stayed firm. "I understand you're jealous, but..."

Before he could continue, Gabriela grabbed a nearby bottle and poured its contents over his head.

"Have you lost your mind?" Soaked through his expensive suit, Alexander stared at her in shock.

Without a hint of emotion, Gabriela smashed the bottle near his feet and turned away as if he no longer existed.

A sharp cry slipped out as glass scattered across the floor. Kylie clutched his arm tightly and hid behind him.

"Are you okay?" Alexander immediately pulled her closer, his voice full of concern.

When he looked back at Gabriela, anger burned in his eyes. He seized her wrist with force. "Gabriela, stop right there and apologize to Kylie."

Gabriela's eyes dropped to his hand, where the veins stood out from his tight grip, before she met his gaze again in silence.

"You almost hurt her. It's just saying sorry. Why make it difficult?"

To him, it was nothing serious.

All it took was a few words, yet Gabriela had no intention of giving them.

A chill filled Gabriela's gaze, sharp enough to make Alexander hesitate, and his grip loosened without him realizing it.

As soon as he felt her slip free, his expression shifted, anger and embarrassment flashing across his face.

"Don't push it!" he snapped, reaching out for her again.

Disgust showed on her face as she moved back to avoid him. Her foot came down on broken glass, and she lost her balance, falling backward.

Fragments covered the floor, and Kylie secretly wished Gabriela would land face-first and be left with scars.

"Ella..." Caught off guard, Alexander lunged forward, trying to grab her, but he couldn't reach her in time.

Gabriela shut her eyes, bracing herself for the impact that never came.

Instead, a faint woody scent surrounded her, and when she opened her eyes, a stranger was right in front of her.

"Are you okay?" His voice was low and steady, carrying a cold edge.

Something about that voice stirred a sense of familiarity, and her heart quickened, though she couldn't place it.

"Who are you? Let her go!"

Seeing the man's arm around her waist, Alexander rushed over, anger burning in his eyes.

Even as his wife, Gabriela had pulled away from his touch. How could he stand seeing another man lay a hand on her?

Before Alexander could get close, a strong force shoved him aside.

"Should I call the police?" The man gave Alexander a brief glance before focusing on Gabriela, his tone calm yet firm.

A surge of resentment rose in Alexander toward the stranger who had appeared out of nowhere.

"I'm her husband! This is our matter. Stay out of it!"

"Oh?" The man lifted a brow, a faint smirk forming. "Your wife is injured, and you didn't even notice. That doesn't look like concern to me."

It was only then that Alexander noticed the blood trickling from Gabriela's right hand, and panic hit him at once.

The man let out a mocking laugh. "Someone this careless shouldn't be anywhere near you. Imagine living with him and getting hurt, and he wouldn't even realize."

"Enough!" Embarrassment and anger flared in Alexander as he snapped, then turned back to Gabriela with a strained expression.

"Ella, I got worked up earlier. Let me see your hand."

Gabriela met his concern with a faint, ironic look.

"Save it for your mistress," she said coldly, refusing to even look at him again.

She turned to the man beside her. "Thank you."

When she lifted her gaze, she found herself caught in his deep eyes, as if they were pulling her in.

Asher Lewis studied her quietly. Her smooth skin and tear-filled eyes stirred a trace of sympathy in him.

She was striking, yet she had chosen someone like Alexander. It was a waste.

"No need to thank me. But you really should get your eyes checked—your judgment when it comes to men is seriously flawed."

With that remark, he turned and walked away, a flamboyant companion trailing behind him.

"Asher, your tongue's still as sharp as ever!"

......

As the voices grew distant, Gabriela looked away, then walked away, leaving Alexander and his scheming mistress behind.

"Ella, it's all a misunderstanding..." Alexander tried to follow her, eager to explain, but Kylie grabbed onto him.

"Alex, I'm really afraid..." Kylie's trembling voice made Alexander pause, leaving him conflicted as he watched Gabriela disappear.

With the help of a hired driver, Gabriela managed to bring the completely drunk Lindsay home.

"Thank you, sir. Keep the change."

The driver accepted the cash with a grin and drove off.

Back in the bedroom, Gabriela looked at Lindsay lying there unconscious and let out a tired sigh before helping her remove her makeup and clean her face.

By the time everything was done, and Gabriela finished her shower, it was already past midnight. She climbed into bed, and the alcohol pulled her into sleep almost immediately.

Morning came, and when she checked her phone, she saw it filled with missed calls from Alexander.

Gabriela's brows drew together as she glanced at her phone, ignoring every missed call from Alexander.

"Ella, you cannot go soft on that heartless jerk and forgive him!" Lindsay's angry voice came from behind her.

The sudden shout made Gabriela flinch. She took a moment to compose herself, then lowered her gaze.

"Don't worry. It's really over between us."

Hearing the certainty in her tone, Lindsay gave a satisfied nod. "That's more like it! I'm starving. Let me take you out for a quick breakfast."

She pressed her fingers to her temples, clearly still groggy from her hangover.

"I'm afraid I can't," Gabriela said apologetically. "I have to return to his family home now."

Lindsay's eyes widened in shock. "Didn't you just say it's over? Don't tell me—"

"It's not what you think." Gabriela shook her head, understanding Lindsay's concern. "I already agreed to have lunch with his grandmother today. Whatever is going on between him and me is separate. His grandmother has always treated me well. I don't want to disappoint her."

Lindsay fell quiet, studying her face with worry. "I'm just afraid that scumbag might try something to hurt you."

"It'll be okay," Gabriela said gently, reaching out to pat her shoulder in reassurance.

After getting ready, Gabriela headed back to the Marshes'.

The moment she stepped into the living room, her eyes landed on Alexander's mistress. The woman was seated on the sofa, chatting brightly and laughing with his mother and elder sister. They looked perfectly at ease together.

Lynda Marsh, Alexander's mother, held Kylie's hand, her face lit with warmth and approval.

"You're such a lovely girl. If only Alexander had met you sooner," Lynda said, her gaze shifting meaningfully toward Gabriela.

Gabriela showed no reaction to the familiar, subtle insult. Lynda had never approved of her, and that had long been clear.

There was a time when it had left her feeling small and helpless, when she had tried everything to earn her place as a proper daughter-in-law. But now, none of it held any weight. The only thing she wanted was to end this marriage as soon as possible.

"Gabriela, you're part of the family now. Where are your manners? Why are you standing there without a word? Can't you even greet us?"

Reclining lazily on the sofa, Caitlin Marsh, Alexander's sister, cast her a look full of disdain. The moment she noticed Gabriela's empty hands, her expression turned even colder.

"Where's the seafood chowder I told you to prepare?" she demanded with a condescending tone, as if she were addressing hired help rather than a sister-in-law.

"I didn't make it," Gabriela answered.

The detached response made Caitlin hesitate, unsure if she had heard correctly.

Her eyes swept over Gabriela from head to toe, confirming it was indeed her. And yet, something felt off.

The Gabriela she knew would never have dared to speak this way. She had always tried to please everyone in the household, even taking on chores meant for the staff.

Had she lost her senses, or did she think that marrying Alexander gave her the pass to change?

Caitlin's gaze hardened. "You can't even manage something so simple. What good are you? I told Alex not to marry you, but who knows what schemes you used to make him go through with it."

Gabriela had heard such cutting remarks countless times before. They no longer had the power to hurt her. In the past, she would have endured it quietly just to keep peace within the family, but that version of her was gone.

"No matter how useless I may seem, at least I'm not someone who plots endlessly and still can't secure a husband, then turns around to take it out on her sister-in-law," Gabriela said with a faint, mocking smile.

"How dare you!" Caitlin's face flushed a deep red. Her body shook with anger as she glared at her.

What had gotten into Gabriela today? How could she talk back so boldly. She even threw such humiliating words at her? Did she not fear Alexander finding out?

"How could you say something like that to Caitlin?" Kylie cut in, her brows knitting together as she spoke in reproach.

She struck a righteous pose. "Caitlin only spoke that way because she considers you family and wants you to do better."

Her soft voice brushed away everything Gabriela had endured, twisting the situation until Gabriela appeared to be the one at fault.

With Kylie backing her up, Caitlin grew even more aggressive, hurling one sharp insult after another without restraint.

"That's exactly why I like you, Kylie. You're thoughtful and reasonable. Not like someone who came from nothing, knew nothing, yet got lucky marrying into this family and living off my brother. And still, she acts wronged all the time, as if we've ever treated her badly!"

Caitlin twisted the truth, her voice thick with mockery. Kylie nodded along, quietly agreeing with every word.

Gabriela's lips curled into a mocking smile. Her sharp gaze moved past Caitlin then settled on Kylie.

She didn't say a single word, yet the chill around her was unmistakable, pressing down on the room.

Kylie held her gaze for a brief second then she faltered. She quickly looked away and instinctively stepped closer to Caitlin.

Caitlin was just about to continue when the sound of footsteps cut her off. Alexander walked in.

"Alex…" Kylie's face brightened at once. Without a second thought, she left Caitlin's side, rushed toward him, and wrapped her hands around his arm.

Gabriela's eyes flickered to where Kylie clung to him, but she said nothing.

Alexander noticed. Almost instinctively, he tried to free his arm, but Kylie held on, refusing to let go.

"Alex," she called softly, her voice laced with feigned vulnerability.

He paused, then slowly stopped resisting.

A trace of victory flashed in Kylie's eyes as she turned to look at Gabriela.

Gabriela caught the challenge in that glance, but she chose not to respond.

Caitlin watched her closely. Her lips curled with disdain at Gabriela's composed expression.

She refused to believe it. A woman who loved Alexander that deeply could never accept another woman by his side so easily.

She felt like Gabriela had to be burning with jealousy and was forcing herself to stay calm on the surface.

She let out a scoff, already preparing to tear apart that fragile act.

"Alex, Kylie is our honored guest. You should know how to treat her properly," Caitlin said, her eyes fixed on Gabriela, searching for even the slightest crack in her calm.

But Gabriela did not react. Her face remained still, showing no emotion.

Kylie accepted Caitlin's support with a gentle smile, her voice soft and sweet.

"Caitlin, I heard from Alex that you've been looking for a bottle of '45 DRC. My father once received a bottle as a gift, so I brought it today for you."

"Really?" Caitlin's eyes widened with excitement, disbelief written all over her.

She had spent five long years searching for that very bottle. The last time one appeared at auction had been years ago, and the final bid had climbed to five hundred and fifty thousand dollars.

Back then, she had not been able to afford it, and the regret had lingered ever since.

"Alex, could you pass it to Caitlin for me?" Kylie said sweetly, leaning closer to Alexander in a way that felt far too intimate.

Caitlin quickly took the bottle, holding it tightly with joy. Her approval of Kylie soared instantly.

"This is too precious," she said with delight, then cast a glance at Gabriela, whose continued silence was beginning to annoy her.

"Gabriela should really learn from you, Kylie. She comes from nothing and can't support Alex in any way. She can't even handle something as simple as making seafood chowder."

Alexander's brow furrowed at Caitlin's mocking tone. "Caitlin, that's enough."

Before he could continue, Lynda cut in coldly, "Was anything she said wrong?"

From the start, Lynda had never accepted Gabriela as her son's wife. In her eyes, Kylie was far more fitting, especially after casually presenting an expensive bottle of wine that only highlighted Gabriela's supposed shortcomings.

"Alex, she was never right for you, and she never will be. You shouldn't have married her at all. She stays at home doing nothing for the family, and it's embarrassing to bring her out. How could she ever compare to Kylie?" said Lynda.

Those biting remarks only made Gabriela let out a faint, mocking smile.

Her gaze drifted toward the wine bottle Caitlin held so carefully, and her voice turned cold. "This isn't a bottle of DRC."

"What are you talking about?" Caitlin shot back immediately. "You're just jealous of Kylie, so you're making things up."

"Ms. Moore, I know you don't like me, but you can't accuse me like this," Kylie added, lowering her voice as tears gathered in her eyes.

Alexander frowned at Gabriela. "Ella, I understand that Mom and Caitlin upset you, but Kylie has done nothing wrong. You shouldn't say things like this. Apologize."

Watching them side with Kylie without question, Gabriela's gaze gradually turned colder.

"Everyone knows DRC uses off-white labels, yet this one is pure white."

"Maybe it's a special release, so it looks different," Caitlin argued, though her confidence had already begun to waver.

Caitlin's response only made Gabriela's smile grow colder. She stepped closer, her tone sharper now.

"Every DRC bottle has its number and vintage printed on the lower left, and a monopole mark on the lower right. This one has the number and vintage, but it's missing the monopole mark. That alone proves it's fake."

"Besides," Gabriela added, loud enough for everyone to hear. "A '45 DRC—over eighty years old—why is the wine level here?" She pointed to the spot below the bottleneck. "That's 'Into Neck'—as full as if it were bottled yesterday. Have you guys ever seen an old wine that hasn't evaporated at all?"

Her words made sense, and Caitlin, who had dismissed her earlier, now hesitated and glanced at Kylie with doubt.

"That's not true..." Kylie insisted, though uncertainty crept into her voice.

She had only wanted to impress Caitlin. Since DRC was so rare, she had bought a counterfeit, assuming no one would notice. She hadn't expected Gabriela to know so much about wine.

Flustered, she stepped back into a wine glass tower.

Gabriela ended up right beneath the falling tower. She tried to move aside with a frown, but she was already too late.

The tower crashed over her, red liquid soaking into her dress and leaving her in a disordered state.

At the same moment, her husband rushed to protect Kylie, his attention filled with concern for her alone.

"Are you alright?" he asked with a deep frown, looking Kylie over carefully.

With tears running down her face, Kylie held her calf where a small shard had grazed her. "It hurts... That really scared me."

The moment Gabriela noticed the tiny cut, barely visible, her expression turned cold. Even so, Alexander was already panicking, calling for the family doctor as if it were something serious.

"Alex, please don't blame her. I don't think she meant to push me," Kylie said softly, twisting the situation before Gabriela could even respond.

"I pushed you?" Gabriela almost laughed at the accusation. She never thought Alexander would be so foolish as to believe Kylie's claim without even questioning it.

"You were standing right next to her, and you've been picking on her all day. You're jealous of how close Kylie and I are, so you did this to get back at us!"

Alexander looked at Gabriela with clear disappointment. Convinced she was being unreasonable, he decided she needed to be taught a lesson.

Gabriela stared at the man scolding her, unable to ignore the pain inside her. Even though she had already accepted that their marriage needed to end, a sharp bitterness slowly rose in her heart.

"I didn't push her!" she said firmly.

For a brief moment, her steady, defiant gaze made Alexander hesitate.

Had he misjudged her? But Kylie had no reason to lie. Maybe something had been misunderstood.

His brows furrowed as he prepared to speak more gently, but Kylie interrupted him first.

"Alex, please don't argue with her because of me. If she says she didn't do it, then it must be a misunderstanding..."

Kylie's pitiful tone stirred his sympathy and even a sense of admiration. When he looked back at Gabriela, her unwavering expression now only made him more annoyed.

"Look at Kylie. Even after getting hurt, she's still defending you. You should learn from her. You keep creating trouble. Maybe you should just leave."

Alexander's voice turned sharp as he spoke, filled with anger.

He meant to intimidate Gabriela, yet he didn't expect her to leave without hesitation.

As she turned, his eyes caught the blood on her arm.

Was she hurt, too? Then why hadn't she said anything?

Alexander watched her leave, a conflicted expression on his face, his instincts telling him to follow, but his arm was held back.

When he turned, Kylie was still clinging to him, tears falling as her voice shook.

"Alex, it hurts so much... I'm really scared. I've never felt pain like this before. Can you stay here with me?"