The Enigmatic Return (Neera and Jean) novel Chapter 203

Jean found the scenario oddly familiar as he listened in on the explanation.

Neera also froze in contemplation. She couldn't help but turn her head to shoot him a glance.

There were distinct angles to his face. He had a fair and clear complexion, deep-set eyes, well-defined features, and a handsome yet devilish charm. There was something morbid about him because of his frailty.

She took a closer look and found that … he did indeed resemble a pretty boy!

Her confusion was finally lifted when combined with the rumors that Wrenn had heard. She couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Wrenn grew even angrier and glared at her. "You're still laughing?!"

Jean finally concluded. He couldn't help but pinch the bridge of his nose. "You've misunderstood Neera, Mom. It was I who accompanied her during those occasions. As for the rumors about her being financially supported by a sugar daddy … That's complete nonsense. She's a doctor who's capable and skilled. She doesn't need to be supported by anyone!"

Both Frederic and Wrenn were dumbfounded by the explanation.

"Do you mean that?" Wrenn's tone was no longer as pointed as when she had first arrived. She sounded more subdued yet doubtful.

Jean nodded. "Of course, I do. If you don't believe me, you can go ahead and ask Ian. If that's not enough, you can review the surveillance footage. Both the club and Susie's Cakes are businesses under my name. The rumors are completely made up. There's no so-called 'pretty boy'".

Upon hearing that Susie's Cakes was under his ownership, Neera's eyebrows twitched.

So, this guy was the owner … She had gone to his shop to buy pastries for him. She suddenly found the situation humorous.

Wrenn, meanwhile, felt embarrassed.

She had rushed over without clarifying the situation and indiscriminately yelled at Neera in such a severe manner. Her words were harsh too.

She had refused to believe Neera when she tried to explain. In the end, it came to light that she had believed baseless rumors and misunderstood her daughter-in-law!

Wrenn wasn't an unreasonable person. She knew that she had made a mistake but she was a prideful woman. Apologizing to a younger girl was something she couldn't bring herself to do.

She looked to be in discomfort for a time. Her gaze was darting around with no place to rest her eyes.

In the end, it was Frederic who stepped in to smooth things over with his wife. "These rumors about you are indeed hurtful, Neera. Wrenn was just worried for Jean. That's why she got so fired up. When people are upset, they tend to speak without thinking. It's not that she meant to insult you. Please don't take it to heart..."

Neera glanced at Wrenn with an ambiguous expression.

She wasn't an idiot. She could see how much Wrenn disliked her and held some bias against her.

Expecting such a high and mighty lady to lower her head and apologize was simply an impossible feat.

Neera, however, was no pushover. She didn't hesitate to speak her mind.

"You know what they say. Ignorance is bliss. I'm not one to get petty about these things. I can also understand your concern for your son. But, if you hear about rumors like these again, I hope you can confirm their veracity first—whether through investigation or by asking me directly—either way, works. Don't come over and start berating me and tossing accusations around. I don't like being insulted!"

She deliberately emphasized her last sentence as she stared at Wrenn.

Neera's tone was far from aggressive but there was an undeniable gravitas to her words that made her hard to ignore.

She continued, "Also, I don't acknowledge a single one of those rumors regardless of what happened years ago. Even stories of my 'lack of virtue' and promiscuity. I have never been in a romantic relationship, yet my name keeps being dragged through the mud. I was even tricked into marriage. I refused to accept being accused of something I didn't do!"