Brian glanced at Rosalynn, who was seated demurely, and reached to lift her up.

His large, veined hand clasped her slim, delicate one.

"Indeed, we've been married for two years. A misunderstanding caused me to overlook that she was my wife. It wasn't until our recent reunion that I recognized her as such. But my wife prefers to keep a low profile, choosing not to disclose our relationship publicly, which led to this confusion. Why would a woman of her integrity feel the need to influence judges with bribes?"

His logic was solid and persuasive.

Rosalynn cast her eyes down at their interlocked fingers, her Lips parting in a slight purse.

His wife?

It should be his ex-wife!

Ballard's expression soured as he watched the striking pair, a combination of handsome and beautiful, his irritation palpable.

"Mr. Hughes, if she is indeed your wife, are you aware of her secret meetings with another man at midnight? During the earthquake, one man held her so tightly in his embrace that she emerged without a scratch while he perished. It's clear he cherished her deeply! Mr. Hughes, it appears you've been made a fool, haven't you?"

Ballard's face twisted into a semblance of a smirk.

Rosalynn's heart sank at the thought of Barlow's demise.

Brian's grip tightened imperceptibly, his presence once more becoming forebodingly cold.

She surmised Ballard's remarks must have touched a nerve with Brian.

With a mocking snicker, Rosalynn struggled to slip her fingers from his grasp, to no avail.

“Mr. Morgan, I would tread carefully with your accusations! On the day of the earthquake, my wife was abducted, which is why she was present there. I was overseas, unable to rescue her myself, so I sent my brother in my stead. Is there an issue with that? Are you entitled to slander my wife's reputation in this manner?"

Brian's demeanor was frosty, his scan of the room icy.

“Let this be a warning. Any slander against my wife will not be tolerated by me!"

His tone was chilling, laden with an unspoken threat.

The onlookers exchanged wary glances, none eager to incite his wrath further.

Rosalynn bit her lip, taken aback by Brian's vehement defense of her and Barlow.