Falling for my ex’s uncle novel

The moment I saw Austin appear , I smiled faintly .

Austin , long time no see ! Austin narrowed his eyes , and his face instantly turned a shade paler .

Even Amanda , who stood beside him , widened her eyes in shock , lifting her head to glare at me with resentment .

Laurel , are you out of your mind ? Do you even know where you are ? Suddenly , Rosemary strode up to me , lowered her voice , and looked at me with a grave expression .

She said , Laurel , this is the Herrera Manor .

This is not a place you should be .

Leave now ? I watched Rosemarys complicated expression as she looked at me , feigning concern for my best interest .

I couldnt help bos smile .

She had never liked me .

In fact , she despised me .

And yet , today , she suddenly regarded me with a seemingly kind que Seeing that I remained motionless , Rosemary reached out and grabbed my arm , attempting to pull me away .

Her voice dropped to a cold whisper .

Laurel , dont make a fool of yourself .

You dont belong here .

I smirked .

Had I been too easygoing in the past ? Did she think that a few words would be enough to make me leave on my own ? I said , Rosemary , mind your manners .

Have you no upbringing ? I am your aunt in law .

I shook off her grip, my face full of disdain .

I added , Dont you dare fall over again just to frame me .

Rosemary staggered back two steps .

A fleeting trace of malice and hatred flashed in her tearful , pitiful eyes as if she hadnt expected me to humiliate her so openly .

By now , the Herrera family members who had arrived were all looking at me .

Some were surprised , some confused , and some simply crossed their arms , ready to enjoy the spectacle .

Alexs birthday party had gathered quite a few Herrera family members , but not too many .

Since the event was being held in Nifelheim City , not all of the Herrera family had been invited , only a number of the citys elites and dignitaries .

Even so , the Herrera family members must have already heard plenty of rumors .

But I didnt know how much of it had actually reached their ears .

Amanda and Kayden surely understood the truth , but even they wouldnt share it with the rest of the Herrera family .

After all , exposing such things would be far too humiliating for them .

The real reason Rosemary was so wary of my presence here was simple .

She was afraid I would ex she had done .

In the entire Herrera family , only Austins household truly doted on this outsider girl .

As for the others , they still looked down on Rosemary .

She was an orphaned foster daughter .

At the end of the day , she was just an outsider .

the disgraceful things Behind closed doors , people whispered that Kayden must have been out of his mind to adopt her and even treat her as his 1/3 17:42 Mon , 17 Mar Chapter 132 own daughter .

But those who truly understood knew that Kayden was not as simple as people believed .

He was a man capable of meticulously concealing his ambition and sharp edges , calculating every step he took .

He could never be someone who would adopt a child for no reason .

There had to be an undisclosed reason behind his decision to take in Rosemary , And then there was Amanda , an arrogant , domineering woman .

For someone like her to show such affection toward Rosemary , there had to be something more to it .

Things I had never paid attention to before now seemed filled with unanswered questions .

Austin strode up to me , his face dark , and grabbed my arm .

Laurel , have you lost your mind ? This is not a place for you to throw a tantrum .

As he pulled me toward the exit , his expression was filled with utter disdain .

I slapped the back of his hand hard , without the slightest courtesy or hesitation .

His flawless skin instantly reddened .

Austin furrowed his brows in pain .

He still didnt let go of my arm , but his grip did weaken slightly .

Seizing the opportunity , I quickly withdrew my hand and rolled my eyes at him .

My voice was indifferent .

Austin , keep your hands to yourself .

I am your aunt in law .

If you keep this up , dont blame me for telling your Uncle Alex .

Enough .

A clear look of irritation and disgust flashed across Austins face .

My voice wasnt loud , but it was clear enough for everyone around to hear .

The crowds gaze shifted .

What had once been amusement and cold indifference now turned into surprise and shock .

Laurel , what the hell is wrong with you ? Amanda walked up beside me , her expression hostile .

Her glare made it clear that she wanted nothing more than to slap me across the face .

But she knew she wasnt my match .

If she dared to lay a hand on me in public , she would also end up utterly humiliated herself when I fought back .

Even with her son and Rosemary by her side , she wasnt willing to make a scene and embarrass herself .

For now , she could only suppress her rage and turn to Austin , whose hand I had just slapped , her gaze full of distress .

Rosemary said , Laurel , I know youre upset , but Austin has already broken up with you .

Even if you want to save face , you shouldnt be making up nonsense here .

Rosemary clung to Austins hand , her cold , sharp eyes locking onto me .

It was just a slap , yet they were acting as if Austin was some fragile porcelain doll who couldnt be touched .

But when he grabbed me , who had stopped him ? Was he the only one who mattered , while everyone else didnt ? At that thought , all the humiliation and compromises of the past surged back into my mind , fueling my anger .

Yet my expression remained calm and composed .

I am your aunt in law.

Show some respect .

I sighed lightly .

I suppose its to be expected .

Youre not a blood relative , after all .

No wonder you cant be taught .

Laurel , are you out of your mind ? Austin glared at me , his eyes filled with hostility , as if he wanted to kill me on the spot .

2/3 337 Chapter 132 Too bad for him .

I wasnt giving him another chance to lay a hand on me ..

You should be more worried about Rosemary .

She seems to have some mental issues .

I raised a brow and looked at Rosemary I added .

Speaking of which , have you recovered ? If you have , marrying Austin wouldnt be a bad idea .

That way , youd finally become a real member of the Herrera family As soon as I finished speaking , Amandas expression changed instantly .

She quickly pulled Austin away from Rosemary froze for a moment , seemingly caught off guard by Amandas sudden act of rejection .

Her hands , which had been resting at her sides , clenched tightly .

Meanwhile , the crowd in the room turned their attention to Austin and Rosemary .

Soft murmurs spread through the guests , accompanied by questioning glances .

Laurel , you were the one who was paranoid and never trusted me .

Dont go around slandering Rosemary , Austins voice carried a trace of fury .

Then , he sighed helplessly .

I know you want to get back together with me , but Im sorry .

Youre not welcome here .

Making a scene like this is pointless .

It will only make me despise you even more .

Im offering a suggestion .

Why get so worked up ? I smiled .

As your aunt in law , your issues are not my concern , so dont involve me .

Also , liking Rosemary isnt shameful .

You three always act like a family , and everyone assumes you two are married .

Rosemary ,