Xiao Pei didn’t seem to care and continued her speech. "I tend to be blunt with my words, so don’t take it personally. But as your classmate, I still want to remind you: now that you’re married, you should behave yourself as a proper wife—not eyeing what’s not yours."

Anyone could hear the implication, and how could Lauren Shaw not catch it?

Ian Lawrence, who had just sat down, shot Xiao Pei a displeased look. He started to get up, planning to throw this foolish woman out, but Lauren Shaw stopped him with a hand.

Lauren Shaw’s gaze was icy. "Is all this just a friendly reminder? Or are you speaking from experience? From the way you talk about 'eyeing what’s not yours,' I’d say you have plenty of stories to share yourself."

Stung, Xiao Pei flared back. "Stop spouting nonsense! You think everyone doesn’t know what kind of person you are? Drop the pure act already."

Danger flashed in Lauren Shaw’s eyes—she stared at Xiao Pei, mocking her. "At least I can pretend. If you think it’s so easy, why don’t you try? And you have the nerve to call me out? Haven’t you played around enough these past years? When it comes to chaotic private lives, if you’re second, no one would dare claim first."

She said it all so breezily that everyone in the room was left dumbfounded.

Just as Xiao Pei was about to form a rebuttal, the door to the private room swung open. A pair of long legs strode in first—a moment later, a strikingly handsome, almost regal face appeared.

No one recognized this man. The class monitor eyed him and asked, "Hi, did you come to the wrong room?" In his memory, there was no such person—the man’s presence and bearing were impossible to miss.

"No, I’m here for someone," Yancy Shaw replied, immediately picking Lauren Shaw out of the crowd and heading straight her way.

Lauren Shaw stood and watched him approach. "Didn’t you say you’d be another ten minutes? What brings you here so quick?" The look in her eyes was all tenderness and fondness—love practically overflowed.

"There wasn’t much traffic, so I got here faster." Yancy Shaw’s deep, magnetic voice was both gentle and pleasant.

It only then occurred to Lauren Shaw that she hadn’t introduced him. She linked her arm through his and addressed the group. "Everyone, this is my husband, Yancy Shaw."

Everyone was stunned. Yancy Shaw’s overwhelming presence was impossible to ignore, making it even harder to believe this was actually Lauren Shaw’s husband. Still, looking at them side by side, they really did make a striking pair.

Lauren Shaw sat down next to Yancy Shaw, her arm in his.

Someone raised a glass, joking, "Since Lauren Shaw’s husband has arrived, let’s have a toast! And when you two do get married, be sure to invite us!"

Yancy Shaw nodded slightly. "Of course."

Lauren Shaw reached for her wineglass but Yancy Shaw took it from her, his tone soft, "You’re not feeling well—don’t drink too much."

Lauren Shaw protested, "I haven’t had much." Still, she reached for another glass.

Yancy Shaw drew her into his embrace, gently pinning her hand. His voice was coaxing yet firm. "Did you already forget what happened last time you drank?"

Left alone, she was the picture of propriety. Let her drink too much, though, and she turned into a total rogue—always getting handsy, not unlike a dirty old pervert.

Flushing with embarrassment, Lauren Shaw pinched his waist. "You’re the shameless one."

Yancy Shaw grinned, leaning over to whisper, "Between us, which one of us is really more shameless?"

The two of them, whispering so intimately in public, left the rest of the table with no doubts about the strength of their marriage.

Claire Xu, unable to stand any more, cut in. "Alright, that’s enough. Spare a thought for us single folks—or I’ll have to kick you both out for public displays of affection!"

It was only a joke—Claire Xu actually enjoyed watching their sweet moments. After all, it was fun to be a little envious.

Across the table, Xiao Pei’s expression looked like she’d just swallowed a fly.

Under the swirling, psychedelic lights, the atmosphere in the room grew wilder—people were drinking, playing drinking games, and showing off. Ian Lawrence felt uneasy with Yancy Shaw’s arrival but kept it hidden, drinking silently while letting his gaze drift toward Lauren Shaw from time to time.

Yancy Shaw, in turn, watched him with evident warning in his eyes.

Xiao Pei never imagined Lauren Shaw’s husband would turn out to be such a catch. Having judged many men, even she was visibly impressed at first glance.

Lauren Shaw sat a while, then decided it was time to head home with Yancy Shaw.

Just as she stood, Xiao Pei called out, coming over with a glass of wine, swaying her hips as she walked.

"Lauren Shaw, I’d like to toast you."

Claire Xu eyed her warily, whispering to Lauren Shaw, "What new trick does she have up her sleeve this time?" After being roasted so badly by Lauren Shaw earlier, she now came over with a toast as if nothing happened.

Lauren Shaw didn’t reach for the drink, barely glancing up. "Sorry, I can’t drink right now."

"No problem. This one’s just from me to you." Xiao Pei then downed the glass in one shot.

Yancy Shaw took Lauren Shaw’s hand, about to leave, but Xiao Pei didn’t plan to let them off so easily.

"You’re Lauren Shaw’s husband, right?" She looked at Yancy Shaw, something mischievous in her eyes.

Yancy Shaw just cast a cool glance her way, eyes soon returning to Lauren Shaw.

Suddenly, Xiao Pei let out a tipsy laugh. The alcohol had emboldened her, and what was on her mind spilled out without filter.

"Did you know Lauren Shaw used to have a fiancé? Back then, she was madly in love with him—or so everyone said."

The class monitor hurried over to hush her. "Xiao Pei, what nonsense are you spouting? You’re drunk! If you’re drunk, go lie down." He pulled her away, smiling at Yancy Shaw. "She’s had a bit too much. Don’t mind her, all right?"

Bringing up exes in front of the new husband—that was just asking for trouble.

Xiao Pei shook him off, her voice rising, "I’m not drunk! I’m perfectly clear-headed. Lauren Shaw, you think you’re so impressive? You’re just lucky—you found a sucker willing to pick up your mess. What’s so great about that?"

A glass of wine splashed across her face. Xiao Pei instantly fell silent.

"Now are you done?" Lauren Shaw set her empty glass back on the table and stared coldly at her. She could see Xiao Pei was only trying to sow discord between her and Yancy Shaw. Still, she held back her urge to slap her.

Yancy Shaw took her hand. He wasn’t mad at Xiao Pei’s words—in truth, they meant nothing to him. He knew Lauren Shaw’s past better than anyone, and it simply didn’t bother him.

"I’m tired. Let’s go home," Lauren Shaw looked up at Yancy Shaw.

He held her in his arms, his voice gentle. "Let’s go home."

Seeing all her efforts had fallen flat, Xiao Pei, twisted by jealousy, glared after them. "Hmph, who knew your husband would be so open-minded—not caring about your past at all."