"I know about this too! Is he in Seacity just to squander money?" "Is that money really his?" "A kid his age wouldn’t be able to earn that much on his own. Where did the money come from?" The crowd was abuzz with speculation, most of it filled with doubt about Arthur wealth. After all, he had just turned eighteen. Watching the growing discussion, Maris suddenly had a flash of inspiration. Supporting his still healing arm, he stepped onto the stage. "Ms. Nancy, where exactly did your daughter’s boyfriend get his money from?" As he spoke, Maris deliberately glanced at the onlookers, his expression laced with intrigue. Then, he leaned in closer to Nancy and whispered, "I’ve heard that nowadays, plenty of handsome young men like to find wealthy older women to keep them. Tell me, your daughter’s boyfriend, he’s from some small town. Where did he get so much money? It’s hard not to wonder." Maris smirked meaningfully. Although he leaned in close to Nancy as he spoke, his voice was anything but quiet! At the very least, everyone in the crowd could hear him loud and clear. The moment his words landed, the crowd erupted once again. "So he’s being kept by a rich woman? That explains everything! No wonder he has so much money!" "This generation is full of young people who don’t want to work hard and only look for shortcuts." "I never expected Ashley to fall for someone like that." "Maybe she knows about it?" "It makes sense, her family gets to save face, and she gets to spend money freely. Maybe she doesn’t even care if he’s being supported by a rich woman." "What nonsense! This is just Maris speculation. How can you take it seriously!" "Exactly! With Ashley’s fiery personality, there’s no way she’d tolerate something like that!" "Then tell me where does Arthur, a student from a small town, get so much money?" "Well..." As the crowd’s discussions took a nasty turn, Nancy grew anxious.Maris’s smirk deepened. If he could successfully pin the label of a rich woman’s kept man on Arthur, then no matter how exceptional Arthur was, he will be scorned by society!! Even if he was the top SAT scorer in the country, once rumours spread that he was being financially supported, public opinion would turn against him! Maris’s move was vicious! Nancy glared at him, her heart seething with rage. The Yarbrough family and Walker family had always been on good terms. She had watched the Yarbrough brothers grow up, but she never expected Maris to be so malicious. This was the kind of slander that could ruin Arthur’s entire future! Spencer also looked at Maris in disbelief. Previously, he had thought Maris was just spoiled, causing trouble out of immaturity. After all, during their last confrontation, Arthur had walked away unscathed, while Maris ended up with a broken arm. But today, it was clear Maris wasn’t just being reckless. He was deliberately trying to destroy Arthur’s life. In an era where information spread like wildfire, if Maris let this rumour loose and fabricated a so called "rich woman," Arthur would have no way to clear his name! If Arthur were just an ordinary student, he’d already be finished! Spencer glanced at Zane. To his shock, Zane wasn’t stopping Maris. In fact, there was a trace of approval in his expression! This was Zane’s silent endorsement!! Spencer suddenly felt a deep sense of regret for ever maintaining close ties with Zane. Why had I never seen Zane’s true nature before! Spencer quickly stepped up beside Nancy. With Spencer’s presence, Nancy calmed down, regaining her composure. I cannot let Maris control the narrative. I cannot let him dictate the direction of this conversation.If I play into his hand, I will only make things worse! Taking a deep breath, she turned to Maris and asked firmly, "Maris, you are falsely accusing someone without evidence. I have every right to sue you for defamation!" Spencer swept his sharp gaze across the gathered crowd. His voice was low and commanding as it echoed through the hall. "Everyone here, do not spread baseless rumours! If this slander causes actual harm to Arthur, I, Spencer, will pursue legal action to the fullest extent!" Spencer tone was powerful and unquestionable! Nancy couldn’t help but inwardly applaud him! The crowd quickly quieted down. Regardless of the circumstances, Spencer was still affiliated with the local government. Even though his family had declined, he wasn’t someone they could afford to provoke.Besides, they were only here for the gossip, they had no intention of getting themselves into trouble. Seeing the crowd subdue, the Yarbrough family’s expressions darkened. Nancy, however, turned to Maris with a sly smile. "Maris, are you jealous of Arthur and Ashley? After all, I remember you almost placed dead last in your class back in the day."