Chapter: 322

"Do you feel proud of yourself?" Marcia suddenly asked.

Kaitlin paused and turned to Marcia, her brow furrowed. "Marcia, I'm not sure what you're implying, but Mr. Gilbert and I are merely friends."

It was clear to Kaitlin that Marcia's animosity stemmed from Kaitlin's friendship with Denton.

Though Kaitlin preferred not to justify herself, she hated being misunderstood.

“If you've stopped me just to clear the air, I want you to know that I'm not overly concerned with your actions, mainly because I don't want to put Gilbert Jewelry in a tough spot. You once worked for the company, after all."

Kaitlin's explanation was straightforward, but it only seemed to infuriate Marcia further.

“Why does Denton treat you so well? You're a disgraceful bitch. You're pregnant, yet you hook up with Denton!" Marcia erupted.

Marcia fixed Kaitlin with a piercing glare, directing her frustration right at Kaitlin's midsection. In a sudden, unthinking move, she shoved Kaitlin hard.

Kaitlin gasped in shock. Despite the stability offered by her flat shoes, her heavier frame unbalanced her. She staggered backward and tumbled to the floor.

"It's all your fault! Everything was fine until you messed it up. Go to hell!" Marcia hissed venomously as she advanced, her hand raised, poised to strike.

"Stop!" The commanding shout cut through the air. Denton, who had just rounded the corner, saw the confrontation and intervened swiftly, pushing Marcia aside. "Marcia, what has gotten into you?"

Marcia let out a shriek, her anger peaking as she saw Denton rush to Kaitlin's aid.

"You're to blame, you bitch!" she spat, lunging at Kaitlin once more, only to be intercepted by Denton again.

"Marcia, calm down!" Denton reprimanded her sharply, pushing her back firmly.

Thrown off balance in her high heels, Marcia stumbled and twisted her ankle. She grimaced in pain and tried to stand, failing twice.

Ignoring Marcia's plight, Denton turned his attention to Kaitlin.

“Kaitlin, are you okay?" he asked, concern etched on his face as he noted her pale face.

The commotion had caught the attention of everyone at the gathering.

Alan's expression shifted dramatically as he hurried over.

As he spotted spotting Kaitlin on the floor, a pang of fear struck him. "Kaitlin!" he exclaimed.

He scooped her into his arms and asked, “Are you alright?"

Denton's voice quivered as he spoke. “Let's get her to a hospital.”

Without a second thought, Alan carried Kaitlin and made for the door.

Denton remained behind, confident in Alan's ability to take care of Kaitlin. He turned his icy gaze toward Marcia, who was on the floor nursing her ankle.