18&nbsp; A Clash of Realities

The conversation between Wayne and Alex was tense, the air thick with unspoken implications. Wayne's knowledge of Alex's private life was unsettling, hinting at a deeper connection. The mention of his divorce and the derogatory remark about Emma marrying down drew curious glances from those nearby.

Alex, cornered, acknowledged his divorce. "Yes, we divorced. It was a decision made after much consideration."

Wayne's tone was biting. "Your ex-wife. To think she married someone like you. A misfortune indeed."

Jada chimed in, her words laced with scorn. "It's no surprise any woman would suffer being linked to Alex. And speaking of suffering, there's quite the buzz about you handling Bella's scandals."

Caught off guard, Alex bristled at Jada's insinuations. "Bella's matters are my concern. I'm simply assisting a friend."

Jada's next question was more pointe

19&nbsp; Bitter Realizations and Confrontations

Host Williams' lavish praise of Emma's business acumen and insights filled the air, his admiration evident. He reminisced about her contributions to various collaborations, expressing envy for Alex's fortune in having such a brilliant wife.

Alex, engulfed in the escalating tension, listened as Williams lamented Emma's absence and mused about the potential business opportunities she could have explored with Wayne.

Williams' obliviousness to the strained atmosphere only amplified the discomfort. Wayne seized the moment to reinforce his earlier point, his voice laced with mockery. "See, Alex? You owe much of your success to her."

The crowd, now aware of the significance of Emma in Alex's professional life, began to disperse, leaving Alex to grapple with this revelation.

As he prepared to leave, a memory of forcing Emma to attend a banquet

17&nbsp; Tensions and Revelations

In the aftermath of the confrontation, the matriarch's frustration was palpable. "Why does Emma get special treatment from you?" She demanded, tears of anger streaming down her face, ruining her heavy makeup. Her confusion over Alex's sudden protectiveness towards Emma, a woman he had seemingly disregarded before, was quite evident.

Alex, meanwhile, was confronted with a harsh truth. He hadn't truly considered the struggles Emma might have faced within his family. "Could I have endured what she did?" He pondered silently, reflecting on Emma's resilience and dignity throughout their marriage.

He declared sternly to his mother and Lillian, "Lillian will stay in for a month for self-reflection. Any more issues, and the financial support stops." His words were final, leaving the room in a tense silence as he departed.

The matriarch, still reeling, tried 

18&nbsp; A Clash of Realities

The conversation between Wayne and Alex was tense, the air thick with unspoken implications. Wayne's knowledge of Alex's private life was unsettling, hinting at a deeper connection. The mention of his divorce and the derogatory remark about Emma marrying down drew curious glances from those nearby.

Alex, cornered, acknowledged his divorce. "Yes, we divorced. It was a decision made after much consideration."

Wayne's tone was biting. "Your ex-wife. To think she married someone like you. A misfortune indeed."

Jada chimed in, her words laced with scorn. "It's no surprise any woman would suffer being linked to Alex. And speaking of suffering, there's quite the buzz about you handling Bella's scandals."

Caught off guard, Alex bristled at Jada's insinuations. "Bella's matters are my concern. I'm simply assisting a friend."

Jada's next question was more pointed. "And what nature of 'friendship' do you share with Bella? Are the rumors true?"

Al

18 A Clash of Realities