Surprise Marriage to a Billionaire-Chapter 353: Baseless Gossip

Rain arrived at the dinner party just in time, and as Zaldy had predicted, all eyes were on her. The moment she stepped into the room, her elegance and the stunning gown she wore captured everyone’s attention. She held her head high, exuding confidence, but the whispers around her were impossible to miss.

"So what if she’s beautiful? She’ll be divorced soon," someone murmured.

"Did you see how she came alone? I guess the contract rumors are true," another added.

"Who would’ve thought she’d only use the Lancaster name for four months? I heard the Clayton Hospital University is close to bankruptcy, especially now that their backer is gone."

Rain’s jaw tightened, but she didn’t falter. Ignoring the cutting remarks, she walked gracefully to the table where her team was already gathered. Her colleagues greeted her warmly, their supportive smiles helping to ease some of the tension she felt.

"Prosecutor Lancaster," Jane greeted with a wide smile, "you’ve truly outdone yourself tonight. You look so amazing. I’m sure you will be the Belle of the Evening!" Then she turned to Henry and excitedly added, "And surprisingly, looks like our Prosecutor Wayne will also be the Beau of the evening!"

Rain chuckled seeing how Henry’s face reddened with JAne’s teasing. "I won’t stay long just grab something to eat and show myself a bit and say hello to the Chief. I’ll leave soon," she said with a smile.

"In that case, let’s settle in as the meal is served!" Jane said cheerfully, pulling Rain to sit beside her. They chatted lightly while enjoying the multi-course dinner, though Rain’s mind remained partially distracted by the murmurs she had heard earlier.

After finishing her meal quickly, Rain stood up, smoothing her dress. "I should go ahead and say hi to the Chief before leaving," she said casually, glancing at Jane.

Henry, seated nearby, also stood. "I’ll join you. I need to say hello and take my leave as well."

Rain nodded, and the two of them made their way toward the group gathered around the cocktail tables.

Rain frowned as they walked, overhearing snippets of whispered conversations that pricked at her composure.

"She’s just a rebound."

"But why do you think Alexander Lancaster married her for a four-month contract?"

"I heard Miss Carla’s been with him for years, so she’s the real deal. He’ll go back to her eventually."

Rain clenched her jaw, frustration bubbling beneath her calm exterior. Some of these women were educated, wives of prosecutors and even a few government officers, yet they couldn’t seem to resist poking their noses into matters that weren’t theirs.

She reminded herself that this wasn’t unexpected. Carla was a major star, and her carefully worded interview had caused quite a stir among netizens and fueled endless speculation.

"Just ignore them," Henry murmured beside her, leaning in slightly so only she could hear. "They’re just jealous and envious."

Rain chuckled softly, her expression unbothered. "Don’t worry, I’m not bothered at all," she replied, lifting her chin and walking with her head held high. She wouldn’t give anyone the satisfaction of seeing her affected by their baseless gossip.

As soon as they approached, Chief Prosecutor John Hart’s voice boomed warmly. "Ah, here come Prosecutor Lancaster and Prosecutor Wayne! I’m glad you both made it. Come, have a drink with us!"

Rain smiled politely but shook her head. "Thank you, Chief, but I’m just here to say hello and goodbye," she added with a light chuckle, her tone firm yet courteous.

John Hart raised an eyebrow, his jovial demeanor unwavering. "Nonsense! Just one drink before you leave. You can’t let us toast without you," he said, signaling a waiter to bring glasses for them.

Henry shot Rain a look that seemed to say, It’s better not to argue. Rain sighed inwardly, giving a small, polite nod. ’One drink won’t hurt,’ she thought, determined to stay composed no matter the subtle tension lingering in the room.

As Rain and Henry accepted their drinks, a colleague, Prosecutor Diana Reid, grinned at Henry teasingly. "Prosecutor Wayne, another year and still flying solo, huh? You know, these annual dinners allow us to bring partners. When are you finally going to settle down at least bring a date?"

Henry smirked, raising his glass in a mock toast. "When the right one comes along, Diana. Unlike some people here, I don’t believe in rushing these things," he quipped, earning a round of laughter from the group.

Diana rolled her eyes playfully. "Excuses, excuses! Next year, I’m expecting to see you with someone or we’re all taking bets on who’ll set you up first."

As the laughter died down, another prosecutor, Marcus Chen, turned his attention to Rain. His tone was curious but carried a subtle edge. "Speaking of partners, Prosecutor Lancaster, why didn’t you bring your husband tonight? Most of us brought our plus-ones."

Rain’s polite smile didn’t waver, though she could feel the weight of everyone’s attention on her. "Alexander has been incredibly busy with work lately, and I didn’t want to pull him away. Besides, I planned to leave early, so it didn’t make sense to drag him along for such a brief appearance."

Marcus raised an eyebrow. "That’s considerate of you, but I’m sure a man like Alexander Lancaster would’ve caused quite the stir here. Imagine how many heads would’ve turned."

Rain took a small sip of her drink, keeping her expression calm and composed. "Oh, he would’ve, no doubt. But tonight isn’t about that; it’s about enjoying time with my colleagues. Speaking of which, I should probably finish my greetings before the program starts."

The Chief stepped in with a hearty laugh, raising his glass. "Well said, Prosecutor Lancaster! Now, let’s toast to that dedication and camaraderie. Cheers!"

"Cheers!" the group echoed, momentarily shifting their focus as they drank, allowing Rain to gracefully deflect further questions. But as she stood among her peers, the murmurs from earlier echoed faintly in her mind, reminding her that no matter how composed she appeared, some suspicions were harder to silence.

As the group dispersed slightly, moving into smaller clusters, Rain found herself approached by Prosecutor Ana Miller, known for her blunt nature. Ana stepped closer, her tone casual but her words carrying a weight that made Rain pause.

"Prosecutor Lancaster," Ana began with a thin smile, "I hope you don’t mind me asking, but... is it true? About the contract between you and Alexander? Are you really going to get a divorce after four months?"