Chapter13 Seeing Claire treat Margaret with such disrespect, the relatives present were visibly shocked. They turned to me, bewildered. "Vanessa, what's going on?" "Who is this woman?" I spoke plainly, "She's Edward's mistress." "And my mother... she's the one she killed." No sooner had the words left my mouth than Edward walked in from the doorway. "Vanessa, watch your tongue," he said sharply. "Claire is my true love, not a mistress.' No wonder Claire had dared to act so arrogantly-Edward had been backing her all along. The relatives frowned, whispering among themselves. "Edward, what do you mean by this?" "This woman killed your mother, and you're not holding her accountable? You even let her ruin your mother's funeral?" "I thought you might be too grief-stricken to attend, but I never imagined you could be such a beast!" Edward didn't flinch under their accusations. His tone was cool and detached. "Vanessa and I are about to divorce. Her mother is her mother, not mine." "There's no need for you to shout over a dead person." "As for Claire causing trouble, that's entirely Vanessa's own fault." Ignoring the shocked stares around him, he turned to me, expressionless, "Vanessa, be reasonable." "The incident at the restaurant ends here. Don't drag it out." "As for your mother's funeral, I will make it grand, as compensation." I looked at his domineering face and could only feel a mix of amusement and sadness. "Edward, I suggest you take your mistress and leave-now." "Otherwise, the only one who will regret it... will be you. Claire let out a mocking laugh. >> "Oh? Now you're giving orders?" she sneered. She strode over to Margaret's ashes and slammed the urn to the ground, sending the contents scattering. "You bitter old hag! No wonder you died miserable, raising a daughter-in-law like her!" "Throwing a funeral? Ha! You don't deserve it!" Then, she grabbed a can of paint and poured it over the ashes. The bright red paint mixed with the pale ashes, glaringly vivid on the floor. The relatives could no longer contain their outrage. "You vicious lunatic! Get out of here!" "Daring to make a scene in a funeral hal. God will punish you for this!" "Edward! Are you even human? Take this wicked woman away!" "Your mother raised you for nothing thirty years!" Edward's expression darkened, his tone icy. "You've really lost your minds. The one who died is Vanessa's mother-what does that have to do with my mother?" Just then, my mother appeared at the doorway. She looked at Edward and asked calmly, "Who did you say is dead?" Edward's brows knitted tightly. He stared at her, his face draining of color, unable to believe his eyes. "Mom... you... you're not dead?" he stammered. My mother looked around, puzzled. "Edward, have you lost your mind from grief? I've been perfectly fine abroad. How could I have died?" Then, taking in the chaotic scene, she gasped in shock. "Oh my God... who has turned my daughter-in-law's funeral into this mess?!" In "Cinderella's Glass Slipper: The One I’ve Always Loved" by CrushReel, a heartfelt romance unfolds between a woman and the president she has long admired since youth. Overcoming insecurities about her appearance, she finds herself working closely with him as his assistant, leading to unexpected twists and turns in their relationship. This modern romance novel explores themes of self-acceptance, unrequited love, and the dynamics of power and attraction in an office setting. The unique blend of billionaire CEO dynamics, hidden feelings, and the revelation of secrets adds layers of intrigue to the story, keeping readers captivated as the plot unfolds. What sets this novel apart is its delicate balance between sweet romance and the complexities of relationships in a contemporary workplace. With each chapter, readers are drawn deeper into the emotional journey of the characters as they navigate their growing connection amidst professional responsibilities and personal desires. For those seeking a compelling tale that combines elements of romance, secrecy, and personal transformation, "Cinderella's Glass Slipper: The One I’ve Always Loved" is available to read at CrushReel, offering a captivating escape into a world where love conquers all.