Carrie did not dare to lift her eyes to meet Jason's gaze, nor did she dare to respond to him. She hunched her shoulders, wishing
she could disappear into thin air like a wisp of smoke. Ryan's phoenix-like eyes turned even colder as he stared icily at Jason,
who remained composed and friendly despite Ryan's evident hostility.
Ignoring Ryan completely, Jason extended a hand towards Carrie. "Carrie, it's me, Jason Solloway. We were classmates in junior
high. Do you remember me?"
Ryan's gaze darkened as he forcefully pushed Jason's hand away. "I think my wife doesn't remember you."
The air between them became extremely tense. However, Zoe secretly chuckled to herself. It seemed that provoking Ryan and
teasing this fool was the source of all her happiness in life.
Jason tightened his grip on his aching fingertips, a flicker of anger passing through his eyes. But he quickly regained his
composure and stared fixedly at Carrie. "Carrie, you're married to Mr. Hoffman? How come I didn't see any news about such a
big event?"
Before Ryan could speak, Zoe jumped in. "Jason, you've only recently returned to the country. There are many things in our
circle that you don't know. My eldest brother and Carrie have been living together for a long time. Even though they're not
officially married, they're practically husband and wife."
She deliberately raised her voice for all to hear.
Everyone passing by could hear it clearly.
"What? The delicate and precious daughter of the Salvador family is actually cohabiting with a man? Even though her mother is
gone, Chairman Salvador is still alive. How could he allow his daughter to live with a man without getting married?"
"Ah, but it's not just any man. It's Mr. Hoffman, the future heir of the Hoffman family!"
"So what if he's Mr. Hoffman? Is he not a man? Besides, everyone in Savrow knows his reputation. They've been living together
for so long without getting married. Clearly, he doesn't intend to marry her."
"Young Master Hoffman is a man of power and influence. Even if he divorces eight times, there will be plenty of women lining up
for him. Ms. Salvador's reputation will be ruined if Mr. Hoffman breaks up with her. By then, she'll probably end up marrying
beneath her."
"This girl is just too naive and inexperienced!"
The words spread haphazardly, creating chaos, each like a thunderbolt exploding in Carrie's ears, leaving her with a profound
sense of anxiety. Beads of sweat formed on her smooth forehead.
Ryan heard it too, his intense gaze sweeping over those who spread rumors.
Jason suddenly said, "Oh, so that's how it is."
"What do you mean by that's how it is?"
Ryan's eyes turned dark and cold, staring harshly at Zoe's smug face. "Zoe, the engagement ceremony is all set, and I've
already sent out invitations. The entire Hoffman, family is aware of this. I don't? net
whether you've forgotten or your brain has malfunctioned. Carrie is my fiancée, the future mistress of the Hoffman group. How
many more times do I have to say it?”
The crowd murmured in shock.
Zoe was deeply ashamed and furious, her face turning red.
Jason could not bear it any longer. He stepped forward and said, "Mr. Hoffman, you're being too harsh on your sister."
"Who do you think you are? It's none of your damn business!" Ryan saw red.
From the moment Ryan first laid
eyes on this guy, he wanted to punch him. If this guy uttered one more word, whether he was the mayor's son or the governor's
grandson, Ryan would punch him.
Jason glared at Ryan with a pale face.
The Solloway family was also a prestigious family with generations of officials. They were held in high regard in Savrow for
generations and had never endured such humiliation.