Widow is my grandson’s wife!

Chen Manli was about to step forward to speak on behalf of Wen Shuang, but Mrs. Chen pulled her back. “What are you doing? Haven’t you noticed that Mrs. Ji clearly doesn’t like that girl? Even if you help her, it’s useless. Worse yet, you'll end up making Mrs. Ji dislike you as well!”

“But Wen Shuang is standing here all alone, with no one to support her. Isn’t it pitiful?” Manli protested.

“Her misery is her own problem. Since she insists on being with Ji Shen, this is what she must bear.” Mrs. Chen forcibly dragged Manli away.

Mrs. Ye laughed, “So she’s just one of Shen’s girlfriends from outside? I thought she was quite charming.”

“All those little vixens from outside are charming. Every one of them can seduce men.” Mrs. Ji lightly waved her fan. “Anyway, I have no regard for her type.”

With Mrs. Ji’s attitude clear, nearly all the women present wore expressions of contempt toward Wen Shuang.

Mrs. Qin had long disliked Wen Shuang, that little fox. She began to talk about how Wen Shuang was a social butterfly in college, always flirting with men—even her own son had nearly fallen for her charms.

The other ladies listened and sneered.

Xia Anran walked over to mock Wen Shuang, “See? No matter how hard you tried to squeeze into this birthday banquet, Mrs. Ji still doesn’t think much of you! The one she likes is He Suosuo, the precious jewel of the He family, not some wild pheasant like you.”

Wen Shuang retorted coldly, “Xia Anran, are you itching for another lesson from me?”

“Stop bluffing, Wen Shuang! Look around—who here is willing to talk to you? You’re nothing but a joke brought in by Officer Ji!” Xia Anran’s ridicule was sharp.

“I think you’re the biggest joke here.”

Ji Shen descended the stairs in quick strides, positioning himself protectively in front of Wen Shuang.

“Xia Anran, how many times must I tell you? Wen Shuang is your aunt. To speak so rudely to her—does the Xia family have no manners?” Ji Shen’s tone was forceful.

Many eyes instantly turned toward them.

Xia Anran shrank back, embarrassed by Ji Shen’s public scolding. “Uncle... I…”

“Apologize!” Ji Shen demanded.

Reluctantly, Xia Anran lowered her head.

Mrs. Qin, seeing her daughter-in-law humiliated, was displeased and put on her elder’s airs to scold Ji Shen. “Shen, Anran is your niece-in-law, after all. Isn’t your criticism a bit excessive?”

Ji Shen had never had much affection for his so-called elder sister. “She’s the one who showed disrespect to my woman. Why should I show her any?”

Mrs. Qin’s face darkened. “Wen Shuang hasn’t even officially entered the Ji family, yet you expect Anran to call her aunt? That’s not proper!”

With Mrs. Qin backing her, Xia Anran regained her confidence. Many ladies looked toward Mrs. Ji.

Mrs. Ji frowned. “Shen, you’re being inappropriate. In front of so many uncles and aunts, you’re calling names out of turn. If word spreads, people will think the Ji family is beneath notice, bringing an actress into the home. It’s laughable.”

Her words made it abundantly clear she didn’t recognize Wen Shuang as her daughter-in-law, refusing to give her even a shred of respect.

Mrs. Ji beckoned, “Shen, if you know what’s good for you, come here now. Your Suosuo is waiting for you.”

He Suosuo stood even straighter.

Wen Shuang, ever sensitive, quickly sensed the scorn from every direction. Everyone seemed to think she was overreaching by being here tonight.

She silently clenched her hand.

At this moment, Ji Shen was all she could rely on.

Fortunately, he was dependable.

His fingers remained tightly intertwined with hers. “I’ve said it already: Wen Shuang is my girlfriend. Mother, if you won’t respect her, you’re disrespecting your own son. Xia Anran humiliated my girlfriend, so she must apologize! Otherwise, everyone will think Ji Shen’s woman is easy to bully.”

His stance was resolute.

Many were astonished.

Those who had expected Wen Shuang to make a fool of herself tonight were surprised to see she had the power to make Ji Shen stand up for her—even against his own mother.

Mrs. Ji was displeased. “Shen, are you sure you want to stand up for an outsider against me?”

Ji Shen replied coolly, “Wen Shuang isn’t an outsider. She’s my woman. If you want my respect, you must first respect her.”

Wen Shuang was deeply moved.

Ji Shen’s willingness to protect her to this extent was wholly unexpected. Her affection for him grew even more.

The ladies nearby sensed the tension between mother and son and began to smooth things over. After all, this was the old lady’s birthday banquet; an unpleasant scene would spoil the occasion.

For years, Mrs. Ji had lived a privileged life and was not about to swallow her pride in public. She stood up immediately. “Shen, I simply don’t like this actress! Bringing her here is a declaration of war against me. I’ll say it now: Wen Shuang will never be allowed into the Ji family home!”

With this declaration, the others looked at Wen Shuang with pity and ridicule.

No matter how much Ji Shen liked her, Wen Shuang would have no place in the Ji family.

In wealthy families, marriages are always decided by the parents; if they refuse, the matter is finished.

Mrs. Qin mocked, “Exactly! A fox like her, only good at seducing men, doesn’t belong at our Ji family’s door!”

“Who says so?”

A deep, elderly voice echoed from the staircase.

Everyone turned to look.

The birthday celebrant had finally appeared. Old Mrs. Ji wore a cheongsam adorned with exquisite jade, slowly descending with the help of the butler.

She walked to the center of the crowd, and upon seeing Wen Shuang surrounded, her eyes lit up. “Shuang Shuang, you’re finally here! Grandma has missed you so much. Tonight, you’re the most beautiful princess in the room!”

The entire hall was stunned! Old Mrs. Ji actually knew this actress—and even spoke fondly of her!

Those who had just mocked Wen Shuang promptly fell silent.

Wen Shuang, flustered by the favor, called out, “Grandma.”

“Oh my dear Shuang Shuang! I’ve invited you to the Ji house so many times—why do you always refuse?” Old Mrs. Ji, delighted to see Wen Shuang, instantly became playful.

She noticed the girl’s eyes were a little red.

She frowned and turned to the crowd. “Did someone just bully you? Don’t worry, Grandma will stand up for you!”

Old Mrs. Ji had been formidable in her younger days, building the family fortune alongside her husband. Though aged, her words still carried authority.

Mrs. Qin was startled.

Old Mrs. Ji scolded, “Who allowed you to gossip outside? It seems years of lessons haven’t taught you enough! I expelled you once for your stubbornness, and it seems you’re still incorrigible!”

Mrs. Qin wished she could sink into the floor. “Mother, I was wrong…”

“Don’t call me Mother—I have no daughter like you! You can’t even control your own daughter-in-law. Your eyes have been wasted!” Old Mrs. Ji’s rebuke was merciless, leaving Xia Anran pale as snow.