The scene went dead silent.

Everyone's eyes were now fixed on me and Tilly.

Even Michael, who had been standing behind me full of hatred, was momentarily stunned.

"Where did this kid come from? Why is she calling you Mommy!"

There was an undeniable edge of anger in Michael’s voice.

Melanie quickly rushed to his side and tugged on his sleeve.

"Michael, are you alright?"

But Michael just stared intently at me and Tilly.

A flash of hatred crossed Melanie's eyes.

She quickly composed herself and bent down to speak to Tilly.

"Sweetie, is she really your mommy?"

"You have to be careful not to get confused, okay?"

Melanie looked Tilly over from head to toe.

Tilly was wearing an adorable little princess dress with a bow at the collar, looking every bit like a pampered little lady.

It was a stark, glaring contrast to my own shabby clothes.

No wonder Michael and Melanie were suspicious.

I pulled Tilly into a tight hug.

Her little eyes were already welling up with tears, worried about me.

I knew I must look like a mess, so I tried to soothe her first.

"Tilly, don't be scared. Mommy's okay. I just tripped and fell."

But Tilly's lower lip trembled, and she looked like she was about to burst into tears.

She looked me over again, her voice thick with emotion.

"But Mommy, you fell down. It must hurt a lot."

"Let Tilly kiss it better."

I kissed Tilly’s forehead, then stood up and took her hand.

"Mommy's fine. Where's Daddy?"

"Why isn't he with you?"

I tried to lead Tilly away, but Michael's voice, full of resentment, stopped me.

"Where did you get a daughter?"

"Chloe, how long are you going to keep up this act?"

Hearing Michael's words, Tilly immediately wrapped her arms around my leg.

"She is my mommy."

"Who are you? Why are you bullying my mommy?"

Michael stared daggers at Tilly, his aura turning cold and menacing.

But Tilly didn't flinch, glaring right back at him.

A vicious look flashed in Melanie's eyes.

She looked at Tilly and spoke with pure malice.

"Chloe, I seem to recall Michael saying you never got married."

"Don't tell me you became someone's mistress? And you have the nerve to bring your love child out in public? You have no shame."

It was like a lightbulb went on for Michael.

He looked at me, his expression a complex mix of emotions.

"Chloe, even if you were that desperate for a child, you shouldn't have done it this way."

"And you definitely shouldn't have brought her here to put on a show for me."

"Doing this just makes me hate you even more!"

I was already immune to Michael and Melanie's nonsense.

But they were not going to talk about Tilly like that.

I took a step forward and slapped Michael hard across the face again.

"If you can't speak like a decent human being, then shut your damn mouth!"

"If you ever insult Tilly again, I'll make you wish you hadn't!"

Then, I turned and gave Melanie a slap of her own.

"You might think he's some prize, but in my eyes, he's not even worth the garbage on the floor!"

Melanie was stunned by the slap.

When she finally came to her senses, she let out a piercing shriek.

"Ah! You bitch! You pop out a little bastard and you dare to hit me!"

She turned and started shoving Michael.

"Are you dead!"

"Chloe hit me! Go on, beat the hell out of her for me!"

But Michael just stood there, touching his cheek and letting out a cold laugh.

"Chloe, you don't have to do all this to get my attention."

"I'll let the slap slide. Consider it my final compensation to you."

"Now take your love child and get out of here!"

Hearing Michael's words, Melanie had no choice but to shut her mouth, seething.

But Tilly stood in front of me with her hands on her hips.

"Tilly has a daddy! Tilly is not a bastard!"

Michael looked down at her with contempt.

"Such a young kid, and already learning how to act."

"Chloe, you're a real piece of work, teaching her this stuff!"

"Security! Get this shameless mother and daughter out of here!"

Two security guards approached from either side. I pulled Tilly behind me, my fists clenching instinctively.

Suddenly, a hand gently took mine from behind.

"I'd like to see anyone dare touch my wife and my daughter!"

When I saw who it was, Michael’s eyes went wide, and his face turned ghost-white.