The woman opened her mouth to retort, but Lu Zhi Hao cut in sharply.
"This conversation is over. And if I see a single false report by tomorrow morning, I will make sure the people behind it remember what defamation costs in a court of law. Or probably, they may never live to see another day! I don't mind saying it so openly!"
Security was already approaching. The shadow guards were falling into place and protection was being enhanced.
The woman scowled and turned away as the staff gently ushered her aside.
Lu Wan Ruyi stood silently for a moment, her hand curled gently over her stomach as if shielding the life within from the venom of the outside world. Her gaze didn't follow the woman as she left. Instead, she turned to look at Lu Zhi Hao worriedly.
It's been so many years, and she hadn't thought her past would come back to torment them, but she wasn't afraid of facing either of them.
"I'm sorry," she said softly, though her eyes burned with quiet steel.
He frowned. "For what?" Why apologize for no reason? It's their fault that they want to drag you into some mud! My woman doesn't have to apologize to anyone." He dragged her closer and kissed her forehead.
"I have to apologize... For being the reason they talk like that. For being the target they aim at you with." She loudly sighed composing herself.
His jaw clenched again, but this time, it wasn't just anger, it was pain and desire to keep her away from everyone. "Wan Ruyi, stop it. You don't owe anyone an apology. Least of all me. These things would happen and there's no human saint."
He reached for her hand, threading his fingers through hers, his grip warm and sure. "They are barking because they are afraid. Afraid of what they don't understand. Afraid of a woman stronger than they will ever be. Afraid of your existence!"
Just then, an older man approached—gray-haired, dignified, and clearly respected, judging by the subtle shift in the atmosphere.
"Mr. Lu. Miss Lu." He nodded to them both with deliberate respect. "Or should I say, Mrs. Lu?" His voice carried a calm and commanding aura but, at the same time, a teasing tone.
Lu Zhi Hao had married Lu Wan Ruyi secretly! They never held a wedding or anything formal, so it was normal for people to think otherwise.
"I watched what just happened. And I want you to know—there are still people in this room who understand the difference between scandal and strength."
Lu Wan Ruyi dipped her head slightly in gratitude.
The man glanced at the retreating figure in black. "And there are still those who confuse cruelty with cleverness. Don't let them win."
He moved on, but his presence had left a shift in the room. The whispers began to scatter like smoke. Faces turned away. Some offered Lu Wan Ruyi subtle nods of support. Others dared not meet her eyes at all.
Lu Zhi Hao placed a hand on her back protectively.
"Don't worry about anything else... Nothing would appear in the magazines with me here!" When it came to Lu Zhi Hao, the media houses always trod carefully.
Without his permission, they never dared to publish any images or videos of him and his family. It was easier for him to close down a media house; it has happened, not one and not two; they had to learn their lessons to steer clear.
"I know...." She calmed down and they went around meeting people and chatting randomly.
While they were chatting, Lu Zi Zhen was giving some orders for them to handle that woman. They also hacked, tracking down from which IP address had posted that picture. Their mother was only for them to joke around with and no one had the right to.