Ambush of the Quadruplets novel Chapter 18

“Emmeline!” Alana’s smile was saccharine sweet as she made her way toward her cousin. “If you didn’t have a dress to wear tonight, I could have lent you one! I have plenty of better-quality dresses after all!”

“Well, this dress was only 99 dollars, including shipping!” Emmeline chuckled. “It’s perfect for tonight,” she added.

Alana’s expression hardened. “What do you mean? Are you mocking our family with your cheap fashion?” Alana gave Emmeline a hard shove, causing Emmeline to stumble and fall backward. However, she was saved by a pair of strong hands that cushioned her fall from behind. Abel Ryker had just arrived.

With an arm still wrapped protectively around Emmeline’s waist, Abel turned toward Alana with a frosty expression. “What’s wrong with a 99-dollar dress? Emmeline looks better than any other lady here tonight.”

“Mr… Mr. Abel?” Alana stammered. “I… I was just teasing my cousin. You’re right, her dress is beautiful!”

“Don’t you owe her an apology?” Abel insisted, refusing to let Alana off the hook so easily.

“I…” Alana paled visibly. They were surrounded by many guests who had come to check out the commotion.

Adrien Ryker strode over as well. “Did you think you could just push my wife around and get away with it?” his tone was cold and menacing. He extended an arm, trying to get Emmeline over to his side, but she distanced herself away from him.

“Emmeline…” Alana pouted. “I’m sorry, I was just messing around.”

“My daughter-in-law looks amazing in anything, including this dress!” Julianna Campbell announced, trying to diffuse the tension.

“So does Alana!” Rosaline Turner chimed in, feeling the need to protect her grandchild’s mother. “A fine lady indeed!”

“Hmph, she’s not even close to Emmeline. It’s three against one! Isn’t that right, son?” Juliana snickered, referring to Emmeline’s three children.

“That’s right!” Adrien agreed with his mother. “Not everyone can achieve what Emmeline has done!”