This was clearly a threat.
Hazel Morgan was so angry she could almost feel her teeth grinding. Part of her wanted to let it all blow up, to show everyone what kind of woman Martin Riley's wife really was. But she didn't dare. Sylvia Byrne had made it clear with her words—if Hazel didn't care about her reputation, Sylvia would drag her down with her.
Hazel wanted to be with Martin, but she couldn't afford to tarnish her reputation.
"Oh, and one more thing, Hazel," Sylvia added. "I've recorded our conversation. So, if you don't want me to cause a scene and drag you down, you'd better tell me where Martin is. I need to take him home."
Sylvia wasn't officially divorced from Martin yet, and she had no mercy for anyone trying to interfere in their marriage.
Hazel's chest heaved with anger, and she couldn't stop herself from breathing heavily. She reluctantly gave Sylvia the room number of the lounge and, after hanging up, let out a scream to vent her frustration.
"That damn Sylvia Byrne, how dare she threaten me! One day, I'll make her kneel and apologize to me!"
Hazel turned to look at Martin Riley, who was lying on the sofa with his eyes closed. Her gaze was filled with longing and affection as her fingers traced his features, as if trying to etch the image of this man into her heart.It wasn't long before the lounge door was pushed open by Crystal Foster and Henry.
Seeing Martin slumped on the sofa, Henry's face changed dramatically, and he rushed over to help him up.
"You take him to the car and wait," Crystal said. "Thank you, Hazel, for taking care of him. I'd like to thank you personally."
Henry glanced at her, then at Hazel, gritted his teeth, and left with Martin.
Crystal closed the door behind them, her expression turning cold. She looked at Hazel's tightly clenched fists and let out a mocking laugh.
"Hazel, we're both women, so let's not beat around the bush. I don't need to spell out your feelings for Martin, do I? Just remember, I'm Martin Riley's legal wife. Our relationship is protected by law. I hope you have the sense to not do anything immoral. Otherwise, all the hard work you've put into building your reputation will be for nothing, and that would be a real shame."
Crystal Foster walked up to Hazel Morgan, lifting her chin to force her to look up. The dominant position made Crystal's presence even more intimidating.
"And I'm not known for my patience," Crystal said with a smile that seemed innocent but sent a chill down Hazel's spine. "I can do anything, Hazel. If you don't believe me, feel free to test it. Just be sure you can handle the consequences."
Hazel felt a cold sweat trickle down her back. It wasn't until Crystal left that Hazel managed to sit down on the couch, her palms damp with sweat. Something must have happened to change Sylvia Byrne so drastically, but what?
As Crystal exited the lounge, she strode confidently toward the door. Her phone rang—it was Henry, asking when she'd be out.
"I'll be out soon. Just wait a bit longer. I ran into someone I know and wanted to say hello."
Putting away her phone, Crystal spotted Hyland Riley, who was awkwardly trying to chat with others while holding a drink. Seeing him with dark circles that even makeup couldn't hide made her smile even wider.
Hyland, who always thought so highly of himself, was now reduced to this state, likely due to the impact of a certain video that had caused trouble for his company.
"Hyland Riley, can't handle it already? Don't worry, the real show is yet to come," Crystal murmured, swaying gracefully as she approached him.
"Sylvia Byrne? What are you doing here?" Hyland, having just been snubbed, turned to find Sylvia standing behind him, watching with a smirk.
He had boasted to Martin Riley that he didn't need any help, only to be caught in his most embarrassing moment by this woman.
"Mrs. Riley, where's Mr. Riley? Why isn't he with you?" Spencer, who had previously ignored Hyland, now rushed over to Crystal with a beaming smile, a stark contrast to his earlier demeanor.Crystal shot a challenging glance at Hyland before shaking Spencer's hand. "Thank you for your concern, Spencer. Martin had a bit too much to drink, so Henry took him to the car. I saw you and thought I'd come over to say hello."
Spencer was pleasantly surprised as he looked at her. Rumors had always suggested that Martin Riley didn't care for his wife, saying she was inconsiderate. But after meeting her today, he realized that Sylvia Byrne was quite different from the gossip.
Moreover, she came over to greet him, which must have been Martin's idea. After all, she had no business dealings with him, so why else would she approach him?
With these thoughts, Spencer's smile grew even warmer. "Mrs. Riley, you're too kind. Since Mr. Riley is drunk, I won't keep you. I'm sure you'd prefer to take care of him."
After a few pleasantries, Spencer left. Crystal Foster turned to look at Hyland Riley, who was still standing there, a slight smile on her lips.
"Hyland Riley, I heard you're holding a press conference. I'm curious to see how you'll define your relationship with Stella."
Hyland clenched his fists. "What's it to you? Sylvia Byrne, don't get too smug!"
"You misunderstand. I'm not smug; I'm just genuinely interested in your drama. I have things to do, so I'll be on my way."
Crystal Foster leisurely exited the venue and immediately spotted Henry waiting anxiously."Ma'am, over here!"
Crystal got into the car, where Martin Riley lay in the backseat with his eyes closed, his brow slightly furrowed, as if he was uncomfortable.
The ride home was silent. Henry helped Martin to the bedroom, glancing at Crystal several times before leaving, his expression so complex it made Crystal feel like she was some kind of villain.
"Ma'am, maybe I should stay tonight to look after Mr. Riley."
Just as Henry finished speaking, Otto rushed in to interrupt.
"No way! We have plenty of people at home. We don't need you to take care of Dad. Uncle Henry, you should go home; it's late."
Henry thought, "..." No, he couldn't leave. He needed to keep an eye on Sylvia Byrne and make sure she didn't succeed in whatever she was planning.
"Otto, Uncle..."
"Auntie, please ask the driver to take Uncle Henry home, and make some food for Mommy. I want to have a late-night snack with her!"
Standing at the top of the stairs, Otto shouted toward the kitchen. Then, he turned his head, tilting it with an adorable expression, and waved at Henry. "Bye, Uncle Henry!"