Chapter 1603

In the garden, a group of elegantly dressed guests in tailored suits and stunning gowns had gathered. As they watched the lively folk band, their faces were filled with disdain. At such a prestigious ball, the sudden intrusion of a loud and raucous band was a clear violation of etiquette. There was no denying that both the band and their music disrupted the refined atmosphere of the event. Amid the crowd, Taylor casually sipped his champagne, a playful smile tugging at his lips. It seemed that Abigail had a wealth of mischievous ideas up her sleeve. The ruckus continued for nearly five minutes before Chandler finally made his entrance. He walked over to the startled Maddie and her children, gesturing for a housekeeper. "Please escort these people out." "Hold on a moment," a woman's voice chimed in from the side. As her words lingered in the air, Abigail navigated through the crowd in her studded knee-high boots, making her way slowly toward Chandler. She paused in front of him, playfully teasing, "This is such a grand celebration; it needs some excitement. Think of this as my wedding gift to you both. Since we're acquaintances, it would be rude not to accept, don't you agree?" Despite sensing Abigail's hostility, Maddie kept her composure as the hostess. "Miss, is there a grievance between us?" "Not with you," Abigail snapped, casting a glance at Maddie before focusing on Chandler. "But he does. Since you're about to become one big happy family, you might as well face it together. "Chandler, do you remember? It's been seven years since Helen left us. Do you still think about her?" Abigail pressed, her eyes sparkling with a predatory glint. Seven years had passed since Helen's disappearance, yet this scoundrel continued to seek out women who resembled her, trying to fill the void. While others saw Chandler as loyal and devoted, to Abigail, Helen was irreplaceable. Every woman Chandler brought home was merely a shallow attempt to satisfy his own selfish desires. If he truly loved Helen, he would be frantically searching for her instead of trying to erase her memory. She hadn't given up; how could Chandler claim that Helen was gone for good? Chandler showed no outward emotion, responding casually, "The deceased are gone—why not enjoy the moment?" "Quit with the excuses!" Abigail shot back. "You scoundrel, just own up to the fact that you can't keep it in your pants. As long as I'm here, don't even think about living in peace!" Chandler sighed helplessly. He'd prepared for everything—everything except for Helen's fiercely protective best friend. As the tension escalated, Taylor could no longer stand by. He set down his champagne and quickly stepped forward, grabbing Abigail's arm in an attempt to lead her away. "Come with me," he insisted. "I'm not going anywhere!" Abigail exclaimed, stubbornly shaking off his grip. "I'll ask you one more time—are you coming or not?" Taylor's expression hardened, his tone leaving no room for argument. "No!" Abigail declared, crossing her arms with a defiant glare. In the next instant, Taylor hoisted her over his shoulder. "Put me down! Taylor, you jerk!" she yelled, writhing in protest. Ignoring her outburst, Taylor continued to walk away from the crowd in silence. As they moved further away from the guests, Abigail's desperation mounted. In a moment of impulse, she lunged forward and sank her teeth into his back. "Ouch!"