“What are you saying?” Jasper frowned, taken aback.


    “Leave me alone. I don’t need you to be nice to me. Not anymore.” Alyssa slowly stood up, trying not to


    wince as her gastritis acted up.


    She added, “Don’t try shoving your useless affection here now that Liana has broken your heart. I’m


    not a


    trash recycling center-not even if you beg.”


    Jasper clenched his hands into fists, anger rising fast with her insults.


    He hade to help her out because he was worried about her.


    Why did she have to demonize him so? Why did she humiliate his small gesture of kindness?


    Alyssa put on her heels again and left the room while Jasper slowly cleaned up the cupcake mess on


    the


    floor, heart aching.


    Alyssa was no longer the kind, affectionate woman who would smile at him and tend to him with all her


    heart.


    Their failed marriage remained asting trauma in her heart center. It sculpted her into the hard-


    shelled,


    abrasive, and fierce woman.


    One small hint of kindness was enough to make her push away, hurting him in the process.


    Jasper trembled slightly, crushing the cake in his palm.


    He did this to himself.


    He single-handedly ruined such a sweet, young woman and their once-lovely marriage.


    There was still some time till the auction began. Ada and Yves’ presence had attracted the entire hall’s


    attention, with several reporters flocking to interview them for the night.


    Sophia was chatting with other rich men’s wives while Betty and Zoe were busy with their ns.


    Betty was preparing to have a picture taken with Ada and consequently be interviewed about it. She


    hoped to use this to strengthen her reputation.


    Meanwhile, Zoe was eagerly waiting to take a selfie with Yves in order to have a footing in the fashion


    world.


    “What a surprise to see you wear this ne to the event tonight, Madam Ada. I take it you’re quite


    fond of it?” Betty piped up upon seeing an opportunity open up.


    N?vel(D)rama.Org''s content.


    The reporters instantly started taking photos of them together.


    “Of course. This is Alexa’s work, after all.”


    Ada didn’t like how shallow and immature Betty was. Yet, the former still showed her respect because


    the


    So she wrapped an arm around Betty’s waist, posing for the camera.


    Betty was absolutely thrilled.


    “Madam Ada, do you intend to buy some jewelry tonight to contribute to this charity auction? Or


    contribute a piece of your own?” a reporter asked.


    Ada smiled. “I intend to contribute a piece tonight.”


    “Oh? What kind of jewelry would it be?”


    “You’ll see for yourselvester on.”


    Zoe was lurking around Yves as well. She waited until her interview with some reporters had finished


    before marching straight up. “Madam Yves!”


    Yves stopped in her footsteps upon hearing her call. Her eyes were filled with sheer indifference as she


    looked Zoe up and down.


    They didn’t know each other, nor did Zoe’s limited edition fall-series peach gown help the girl’s case. It


    didn’t suit her and made here off as someone with bad taste.


    “I’ve read all your magazines since I was a child, Madam Yves. I’m MINT’s loyal fan!” Zoe cooed, an


    enthusiastic blush on her cheeks.


    *Since you were a child? Am I that old?” Yves smirked.


    “N-No, not at all!” Zoe cried, cold sweat beginning to form on her nape. “What I meant was, I truly and


    honestly respect you from the bottom of my heart! Can… Can I…?”


    But Yves had already turned and walked past her.


    “M-Madam Yves!” Zoe held her gown up and turned around to go after the woman.


    But what she saw made her flinch, stumbling backward.


    “There you are, Ms. Alyssa!” Yves crooned, going up to Alyssa’s side like they had known each other


    for years.