The Day I Quit Him (Autumn and Mars) novel Chapter 171

**Chasing Light, Finding Peace by Rohan Verma**
**Chapter 171**

“You’ve crossed a line, and it’s unacceptable!” Nathan Parker’s voice was laced with fury, an unmistakable fire burning in his chest. Madelyn Carter, his wife’s niece, had always been someone he cared for, but her reckless behavior was pushing him to his limits. He couldn’t afford to lose control in public; instead, he positioned himself protectively in front of Autumn Lopez, his gaze fixed on Madelyn, dread pooling in his stomach as he anticipated another explosion.

“I assure you, it’s all a misunderstanding. Ms. Lopez is completely innocent in this matter, so please, stop this drama!” Nathan’s tone was firm as he reprimanded Madelyn, turning his attention back to Autumn, whose face was as cold as ice.

“I am truly sorry, Ms. Lopez. I’ll replace your phone, I promise. Madelyn is young and hasn’t grasped the consequences of her actions. Her family indulges her too much,” he pleaded, desperation creeping into his voice.

Yet, Autumn’s expression remained unchanged—an impenetrable facade.

Youth and immaturity were not valid defenses for the cruelty she had just experienced. Madelyn had barged in, carelessly labeling her as the other woman without a second thought. The initial shove had been brushed off, but the destruction of her phone was an entirely different matter.

Autumn was known for her easygoing nature, but that didn’t mean she was someone to be trifled with.

“Mr. Parker, your niece hasn’t just tarnished my reputation; she has obliterated my phone. As a businessman, you understand the critical importance of maintaining communication. I was being exceptionally patient, considering our potential partnership, but my patience is not an invitation to walk all over me.”

“I expect you and your niece to rectify this situation.”

As she spoke, a commanding presence emerged from within her, a strength that had been honed over years of experience.

Though she had held the position of chief executive assistant at Cloudbreak Corporation, she had been the backbone of the company’s daily operations. Over time, partners had come to rely on her, trusting her implicitly.

Nathan, fully aware of her capabilities, felt a wave of self-reproach wash over him. His eyes were filled with remorse as he nodded vigorously. “Yes, absolutely, Ms. Lopez. I will ensure this is made right.”

The onlookers, who had initially cast scornful glances, began to soften their expressions.

After all, as they observed Nathan and Autumn interact, it became evident that their relationship didn’t carry the undertones of an affair.

“It must be a misunderstanding, right? They don’t seem flirty or guilty at all. And look at the age difference. How could they possibly be a couple?” one bystander whispered.

“Exactly! Who would bring their pregnant mistress to a crowded private club for a rendezvous? If they could afford a place like this, surely a hotel room wouldn’t be out of reach. Why choose somewhere so public?”

As the crowd began to shift in favor of Nathan and Autumn, Madelyn’s face flushed crimson with embarrassment.

Yet, she was young, and the arguments swirling around her left her at a loss for words.

Just then, a woman standing a short distance away from Madelyn chimed in, “It’s not like a cheater would have ‘adulteress’ written on her forehead. Looks can be deceiving. Who knows what shady dealings they’re up to behind closed doors?”

If Autumn had any doubts about the two women targeting her, they were shattered in that moment.

Autumn assessed them, her eyes narrowing.

They were complete strangers—neither of them rang a bell.

This only deepened her confusion. If they were unknown to her, why were they so intent on causing her distress?

“Excuse me, ladies, have I offended you somehow?” Autumn’s voice was steady, her irritation palpable. Sensing their malice, she confronted them directly. “I distinctly remember hearing you two making snide comments when Mr. Parker and I exited earlier, insinuating I was a mistress.”

“And now you’re egging on Mr. Parker’s niece. Is this some sort of coordinated smear campaign?”

“What do you hope to gain from this?”

The two women hadn’t anticipated Autumn to confront them so boldly. The shorter one let out a scoff. “What, are you afraid of what people might say about you?”

“Your relationship is clearly questionable, and you can’t provide any proof otherwise. Are you suggesting we can’t stand up for what’s right?”

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