The Secret First Lady: From Scorned Wife To National Obsession

Having dealt with numerous figures who stood at the peak of authority, Ryann had never once felt pressure this suffocating.

Before her, the man did nothing more than stand still, yet the presence he carried forced her instincts into full alert.

Once she sensed clear hostility from the man, the heat burning in Ryann's gaze sharpened even further.

Without a hint of fear, she met the man's eyes directly, brushed aside the gun aimed at her, and spoke with open mockery. "This does not concern you! Move!"

Almost immediately afterward, black-suited bodyguards with stone faces poured into the villa and surrounded the terrified mother and daughter cowering on the floor.

Raising his gaze, the man spoke in a low and raspy voice that allowed no refusal. "These two are guests under the protection of the Yates family. I am taking them with me today."

"And if I refuse?"

Holding her position, Ryann did not retreat as the cold light in the man's eyes sharpened and the oppressive pressure around him grew heavier.

"So you intend to stop me?"

While the tension hung in the air, another man rushed over and spoke in a low, urgent voice. "Mr. Yates, your grandfather is waiting at the Yates Mansion. We are running out of time."

After that, he faced Monica and spoke with courtesy that felt distant rather than warm. "Mrs. Sullivan, Mr. Yates and Miss Sullivan are about to be married. We are here to escort Miss Sullivan to complete the marriage registration. The court officials are already waiting at the Yates Mansion."

Mr. Yates. The Yates family. Marriage.

Those words linked together instantly in Ryann's mind, and the man standing before her was finally revealed.

Jayden Yates, the eldest grandson of the Yates family head—the wealthiest man in Elessall—and the designated future heir.

Everything suddenly made sense.

The killing intent in Ryann's eyes slowly faded, giving way to measured thought.

Facing someone from the Yates family meant that pushing back today would only lead to unnecessary consequences.

Bit by bit, she relaxed her clenched fists, and the sharp edge of her presence eased.

Seeing Ryann's posture ease, Monica finally released a breath she did not realize she had been holding.

Taking advantage of the moment, Maren immediately shifted tactics and rushed to Jayden's side, her face full of grievance.

"Jayden, you have to speak up for me… My mother and I barely said anything, and Gabriela completely snapped. Look at my arm. She dislocated it, and it hurts terribly…"

A deep frown settled on Jayden's face, and impatience flickered clearly in his cold expression.

It was obvious that her act had failed to move him in the slightest.

From where she stood, Ryann observed everything with detached calm while quietly registering the trace of irritation in his reaction.

Turning his attention toward her, Jayden studied Ryann closely and spoke with faint amusement in his voice. "You are the Sullivan family's adopted daughter, Gabriela?"

Mistaking his attention for support, Maren hurried to press the advantage. "That's right! She's the ungrateful girl my family took in! After my father died, she grew more and more arrogant. She stole my family's money and even abused my mother and me repeatedly!"

Holding her injured face, Monica let out broken sobs as blood trickled from the scratch left by the porcelain shard. "Mr. Yates, it would be one thing if she only do this to me. But Maren is your future wife! Her actions show complete disrespect toward you and the Yates family!"

Listening to their accusations pile up, Ryann let out a cold, mocking laugh. Regret crept through her thoughts, and she briefly wondered if she should have been far more ruthless earlier.

"A wedding is supposed to be a happy event." She spoke without warning, and a faint smile appeared on her lips. "I think I should see such a lively occasion for myself."

"Absolutely not. You are not going!" Monica protested at once, and panic leaked into her sharp tone.

Worried that Gabriela would stir trouble at the Yates residence, Maren hurried to scold her. "Why would an adopted orphan like you show up at my wedding? Do you honestly believe you belong to the Sullivan family?"

A slight crease formed on Ryann's forehead, and her cold stare moved from Monica to Maren until neither dared to speak again.

She never expected Jayden to support her, yet his deep and steady voice suddenly cut through the tension. "If you want to attend, then you may."

After saying that, he turned away and walked straight out of the Sullivan villa.

Surprise briefly flashed across Ryann's eyes.

Had he really agreed just like that?

Was he not concerned about the trouble she could cause at the Yates Mansion?

"Jayden! How can you allow her to come?" Maren stomped her foot in frustration before shooting Ryann a furious glare. "If you dare say or do anything out of line at the Yates Mansion, I will make you pay for it!"

Without offering a single word, Ryann casually raised her hand and smoothed the loose strand of hair behind her ear.

Reacting on instinct, Maren retreated a step, fear flashing across her face as she hurriedly pulled Monica along with her.

In their panic, they slammed the car door shut, fully convinced it would keep Ryann away, never realizing she had no intention of following them at all.

Inside the Bentley, Jayden reclined against the headrest and closed his eyes, and the dim lighting traced the sharp lines of his profile.

Moments later, the car door swung open, and a slender figure slipped inside with unhurried calm.

As if the world around them did not exist, Ryann settled into the seat beside Jayden, and her red lips brushed close to his ear while her warm breath almost touched him.

"Thank you for the ride, Mr. Yates."

Jayden gave no response, and his presence remained steady and unreadable. Then, beneath the low glow inside the car, his eyes opened slowly, and his deep gaze fixed firmly on Ryann's face.