That suspicious-looking woman was indeed Yanis.

However, she was very different from how she used to be.

Tessa could still remember how Yanis would doll herself up in high-end luxury goods from head to toe. She would either dress herself in custom-made silk dresses or adorn herself with various jewelry that would match her outfit.

Her hair was always impeccably styled, and her entire demeanor practically screamed, “I’m a rich woman!”

Yet, she now looked exactly as Jasmine had described-plain.

Yanis had no makeup on her face, and she looked haggard. Her skin was sallow, and she had bags under her eyes. She was wearing a simple light gray outfit that wouldn’t look out of place in the wardrobe of a middle-class woman in her 40s.

There was none of the grandeur of the once great mistress of the Gomez family.

It seemed that the Gomez family had truly fallen on hard times.

It had gotten so bad that Yanis, who cared a great deal about appearances and held a great love for fashion, was forced to dress like an ordinary Jane.

Tessa curled her lips into a smirk. She found Yanis’ current state utterly satisfying as she approached Yanis.

Meanwhile, Yanis wasted no time rushing toward Tessa the moment she noticed Tessa. She was visibly agitated as she reached out to grab Tessa’s arm. However, Wynn had reacted swiftly, shoving her away.

Yanis looked at Tessa as though she were her salvation. The arrogance she once exuded with every pore was now long gone.

She looked humble and downtrodden as she pleaded, “Tessa, please save

Gomez Group. Please help us. The Yates family is the richest family in Rivertown, yes? I’m willing to do anything you ask of me as long as you invest in our company.”

Tessa burst into laughter. “You’ll do anything I ask for, huh?”

“Yes!” Yanis nodded

ntically before adding, “I’ll do ything as long as it’s within

my power to fulfil. Please help us. We’re truly done for this time around. My husband’s been hospitalized due to overwork, and Zachary’s been drinking his life away. My family is falling apart. There’s nothing left of us.”

Tessa gave Yanis a mirthless smile before asking, “And what do you have to offer?”

Yanis was struck dumb. What could she offer Tessa?

She had no idea what she could possibly offer. She had spoken all those things out of desperation, promising anything and everything without even thinking about the consequences.

“I… Can’t you help us for Zachary’s sake?” Yanis begged. “You dated him for three years. You two were so in love back then. Can you bear to watch him ruin his life because of the company’s bankruptcy?”

Frankly, it would’ve been better if Yanis hadn’t brought Zachary up, as his very name only made Tessa mad.

“Mrs. Gomez,” Tessa addressed the weary Yanis.

Yanis’ expression darkened. That form of address didn’t sound as sweet as it did in the past. In fact, it sounded like an insult.

Tessa had indeed addressed her as such to humiliate her.

She curled her lips into a cold smirk before inquiring, “Mrs. Gomez, have you forgotten what you said to me when we first met?”

Yanis immediately paled at the reminder.

Of course, she remembered what had happened that day.

Wendy had just returned from the country, and she wanted Zachary to marry her. However, she heard that Zachary had gotten himself a girlfriend and had been dating her for three years. To make matters worse, that girlfriend of his didn’t come from an affluent family.

Thus, she did not deserve to marry into the Gomez family. There was no way Yanis would ever acknowledge Tessa.

So, she had sought Tessa out and humiliated her.

She had said disdainfully, “I can’t believe a girl like you would think that you have the right to marry into the Gomez family.”

Back then, she had assumed that Tessa was only dating Zachary for the money.

She had assumed that Tessa was just a gold-digger whose dream was to marry into wealth. It didn’t matter how fantastic her facade was, as someone as ordinary as Tessa would never belong in their social circle.

She had looked down her nose at Tessa with condescension.

She had said, “There’s no need for you to pretend. I know full well just what you’re thinking. I know Zachary has plenty of admirers. You probably think you’ve hit the jackpot after sinking your claws into a rich scion, don’t you? He must have spent a fortune on you.”

When Tessa had defended herself, Yanis only continued to hassle her. “Cut the act. I’ve seen plenty of materialistic girls like you. You might insist that you don’t care about his wealth, but you wouldn’t have given Zachary a time of day if it weren’t for his money!”

Finally, she had ended the conversation, saying, “I came here today to inform you that someone like you will never be accepted by the Gomez family. You can forget about marrying Zachary! Wendy is the only daughter-in-law I will ever acknowledge. Not only is she a family friend, but she’s also

Zachary’s first love.

“I suggest you face reality and pack your bags. Leave Zachary if you know what’s

good for you!”