The Philanthropist's Wife Takes A Stand

"Give it back!"

I threw myself at the remote with everything I had, only to be seized and held back by two large security guards.

My eyes darted to the wall clock. Seeing the position of the minute hand, a faint, knowing smile touched my lips.

My desperate cries were swallowed by the din of the fundraiser.

Aaron's mouth curved into the triumphant smile of a conqueror. "You'll answer for this once the event is over."

The crowd, thinking the commotion had finally ended, collectively sighed in relief. Yet the glances they cast my way were still heavy with scorn.

Aaron raised a commanding hand. "Everyone, back to your positions! We have ten minutes. All teams, final checks—I want zero errors!"

Instantly, the hall hummed back to life. Guests resumed their polite conversations, staff moved with brisk efficiency, and soft background music swelled once more.

Then, a panicked shout pierced the air.

"We've got a problem! A major malfunction!"

A technician leapt up from his station, face pale. "The system—the main system has crashed!"

"What do you mean, crashed?!" Aaron's smile vanished. He grabbed the man by his collar. "I paid your company hundreds of thousands! Explain!"

"It wasn't us! Administrative control was seized by a third party!" the engineer stammered, trembling. "We're locked out. The launch sequence is frozen."

Aaron's eyes snapped to me, recalling the smirk I'd worn when I was restrained. The pieces clicked together. His gaze sharpened, turning venomous.

"Jessica! You did this! You set all this up just to force a divorce? Are you that desperate? Ask everyone here—who would back your insane plan?"

I lifted my chin, sweeping my gaze across the room. Their eyes burned with anger, staring at me as if I were a monster beyond redemption.

I squared my shoulders, meeting their collective hostility without a flicker of fear.

"I support Jessica's decision!"

A clear, firm voice cut through the tension, commanding instant silence.

Everyone froze, heads turning to find the speaker.

"I agree Jessica should get the divorce. Sign the papers. Now."

It was my mother-in-law.

She stepped forward through the parted crowd, her voice steady and unwavering. "Forcing two incompatible people to stay in a marriage helps no one. It's time to end this cleanly. And after the divorce, all marital assets will go to Jessica."

Her words exploded in the silence. The room was utterly stunned; jaws dropped in shock.

"Mom?!" Aaron stared at his own mother, his face a mask of pure disbelief. "Have you lost your mind? Why are you taking her side?!"

The sharp crack of her palm striking his cheek echoed in the quiet hall. Her voice was cold with fury.

"Do you still not understand what is really going on here?"