"What a compassionate soul."

I glanced at Atlas beside me, feeling somewhat uneasy about him being subjected to ridicule alongside me. It was the last thing I wanted.

Those 'elderly' figures who seemed rather dignified were particularly disdainful. They confronted Atlas, criticizing him for getting involved with a woman of unknown background and bringing her to such an occasion, thereby inviting shame upon himself.

One of them even stated, "A woman of uncertain identity has no place here!”

"Yes, they shouldn't allow such despicable individuals to enter this premise. She should be kicked out immediately."

"Even if she truly is Rory's daughter, so what? Until the truth of the past events is uncovered, she shouldn't set foot in the Pierce family’s residence because they are sworn enemies."

Once this mood was set, the atmosphere in the hall became tense.

Atlas remained silent, but his hand on my waist continued to guide me. Earlier, when he pressured me to admit I was Stella, he was