Chapter 013 She had already given up six years ago.

Stella saw her chance to frame Monica again and jumped on it. She teared up instantly, stepping between the two men, and sobbed, "Alexander, Mr. Johnson, please, don't fight over me. We're all here to celebrate the opening of the Johnson Group's winery. It wouldn't be right if I caused any trouble."

Monica watched her little performance from the side. Since when was this about fighting over her? Stella was just stirring the pot.

In Emerald City, Alexander and Michael were the top dogs, admired by all the girls. And now, these two were supposedly fighting over a woman.

Stella was pretending to talk about herself, but she was really throwing shade at Monica, trying to turn all the women against her.

Then, Stella stood in front of Monica and, facing everyone, started crying and pleading, "Please, don't blame my sister anymore. She didn't mean it back then. She just loved Alexander too much and did something foolish. Please don't blame her. I don't mind at all. I just want her to come back home. That would make me so happy."

Before Stella could finish, someone couldn't help but start cursing, "What kind of person is Monica? She pushed her own sister down the stairs and stole her fiancé. Such a vicious woman should be the one kneeling down to apologize to everyone. Why should we seek her forgiveness?"

"Exactly, Ms. Brown, don't be too kind. You're the victim here. Why should you cater to her?"

"Is this vicious woman threatening you? Just tell us, and we'll get justice for you!"

Stella quickly waved her hand. "No, Monica didn't threaten me. It's all my fault. Please don't scold her anymore."

"No way! You can tolerate it, but we can't!"

"Right! Mr. Johnson, kick Monica out of the winery, or we won't stay!"

"Yes! Kick her out! She doesn't deserve to be here! If she doesn't leave, we will!"

Almost everyone there was a big shot in Emerald City, either rich or noble.

The situation was spiraling out of control, and even Michael was struggling to manage it.

Stella watched from the side, sneering, 'Monica, get ready to be everyone's target. Let's see how you can keep living in Emerald City! You'd better leave quietly, or I won't let you have a good time!'

Monica saw her sinister and triumphant smile. She had to admit, Stella's hypocrisy was top-notch. If it weren't for the inappropriate setting, Monica would have applauded her.

With just a few words from her, this massive winery had turned into a circus.

"Mr. Johnson, aren't you going to kick this woman out? Do you really want to force us to leave because of her?" someone said to Michael.

Monica was about to speak. After all, today was the winery's opening, and if these people left, it wouldn't be good for Michael.

She couldn't let herself bring unnecessary trouble to the Johnson Group.

Before Monica could say a word, a cold voice cut through the tension, "If you want to leave, then leave. No one's stopping you!"

Everyone turned to see who had spoken. It was Alexander, the very guy who had put Monica in the spotlight in the first place.

Now he was stepping up and speaking out. What was his deal?

The chatter around them started to die down, and all eyes were on Alexander.

He scanned the room, his gaze icy. "Since when did this winery turn into a circus? And you dare gossip about my family drama in front of me?"

His last words were dripping with anger.

Some folks felt a bit miffed. Wasn't he the one who kicked off this whole mess? And now he didn't want anyone talking about it?

But no one dared to voice that thought.

Many businesses depended on the Smith Group in Emerald City. No one wanted to stir the pot in front of Alexander.

The room fell silent, and no one dared to speak.

Alexander's eyes landed on Monica again.

But Monica didn't look back at him.

She kept her eyes down and stayed quiet. She didn't feel that Alexander was defending her. Without him, she wouldn't be in this situation with everyone targeting her.

But luckily, six years ago, the night she walked away from him, she had already given up on him.

She had no expectations of him anymore.

Thinking about it, she let out a soft laugh.

Everyone around her stared, wondering if she had lost it, laughing at a time like this.

No one knew what was going through her mind.

Even Alexander frowned as he watched her.

Michael stepped up to her and said apologetically, "Ms. Brown, I'm really sorry for the trouble today. Would you like to go to a room and rest for a bit?"

"Mr. Johnson, you're too kind. It's not the time to rest. We still have important matters to discuss," Monica replied calmly.

"Important matters?" Michael looked puzzled. "Ms. Brown, what do you mean?"

Monica didn't answer right away. She glanced around the room, seeing more and more people staring at them. She smiled slightly and extended her hand to Michael. "Mr. Johnson, I'm here representing CLOUD Design Company to discuss our upcoming cooperation!"

Her voice was clear and loud enough for everyone to hear.

Monica represented CLOUD?

Even Alexander, who constantly clashed with Michael, had shown up at his winery for Helen from the CLOUD, not to mention everyone else.

Many companies were fighting to work with CLOUD, but because of the Johnson Group and the Smith Group, no one else stood a chance.

CLOUD had become a big name in the architecture world.

With more and more shocked looks, Alexander's probing eyes also focused on Monica.

He had suspected that CLOUD had some beef with the Smith Group, but he never thought Monica was involved with CLOUD.

Michael looked at Monica in disbelief. "Ms. Brown, are you Helen?"