"I don't have to. In the end, you are my legitimate wife. I have to protect you, but you need to know the whole story," Riven Ashford said patiently, handing the phone to Rhea Vale.
Rhea Vale took Riven Ashford's phone, took a deep breath, and pressed the play button.
...
Bella Evans left the Ashford family's house, crying. As soon as she stepped out, she stopped and turned around. She didn't see her husband chasing after her, which made her even angrier. It was all Rhea Vale's fault! If not for her, she wouldn't have been scolded by her father-in-law or kicked out of the family.
She unlocked her phone and saw Kristy Cole's contact. Bella thought about the relationship between Kristy and Riven Ashford, and her eyes lit up. Soon, she made up her mind—if Rhea Vale had made things difficult for her, she definitely wouldn't let Rhea have an easy time either!
Not long after, Kristy Cole drove over to pick up Bella. The moment she saw Bella, Kristy was a little surprised. "Sister-in-law, what happened to you? Were you bullied by that scheming woman, Rhea Vale?"
Her words sounded casual, but Kristy knew they were like daggers piercing into Bella's heart.
In the Ashford family's residence, Rhea Vale watched all the videos of her parents' discussion with Bella Evans. Then, she returned the phone to Riven Ashford. "Although she didn't go as far as she claimed, I can't forget the disgust and contempt in her tone. I don't regret fighting her. I think I did the right thing."
Riven Ashford said, "I'm not saying you did the wrong thing. It's only right and proper to protect your parents in this situation, but you have to understand..."
Before Riven could finish his sentence, Rhea interrupted him. "No buts. I'll hit anyone who mistreats my family. If you mistreat them, I won't let you off either."
"Pfft, hahaha..." Riven immediately burst into laughter. "Just you? You've got a big mouth."
Rhea said seriously, "I'm not joking. My family is my bottom line."
Riven smirked. "My company's capital makes tens of millions every minute. Do you think I have the time to mess with your family?"
...
"This is just a kind reminder," Rhea said. "Don't blame me if I don't care about our relationship when I beat you up in the future."
Her words amused Riven. He was a grown man, yet his petite wife was kindly warning him about a possible beating in the future.
The thought of it was oddly entertaining.
Rhea was no longer as angry. Watching the video had reassured her that her parents hadn't suffered much.
"Rhea, why do you have two faces?" Riven suddenly asked. He found it intriguing—how she had such a sharp tongue, dared to argue with Old Master Ashford, and even fought Bella Evans. But when she called her parents, she was soft-spoken, gentle, and affectionate.
She could speak sweetly and smile sincerely, but she could also lie without blinking. Her sharp words were both venomous and oddly captivating.
At that moment, Riven Ashford didn't realize he was developing a strong interest in Rhea Vale.
Rhea answered him casually, "One is for my own people, and the other is for outsiders. Isn't everyone like this? Aren't you the same?"
After all, he had never been patient with the wife he was forced to marry. He had let her be bullied and mistreated. But when it came to Kristy Cole, he was gentle, affectionate, and careful.
Rhea suddenly felt a twinge of bitterness at the thought.
Riven, however, misunderstood her words. He assumed she was talking about the way he treated businessmen versus his family. Smiling, he nodded. "That's right."
Rhea rolled her eyes internally, but she only dared to complain in her heart. 'Marrying one woman while loving another. Scumbag!'
That night, Bella Evans didn't return to the Ashford family home. Travis Ashford went to her mother's house to look for her but couldn't find her. A quick investigation revealed she was at the Cole family's home.
Travis had no choice but to go there. Director Cole welcomed him eagerly. He had invited Travis over many times, hoping to build a stronger connection, but Travis had always ignored his invitations. Now, his daughter had brought home the mayor's wife—an opportunity he couldn't miss.
"Mayor Ashford, please come in," Director Cole said politely, leading him inside.
In Kristy Cole's bedroom, Bella was venting about her experiences in the Ashford family. Kristy, though secretly mocking her, put on a sympathetic face and held Bella's hand.
"This Rhea Vale is going too far!" she said, feigning outrage.