"Madam."


    "Have Randy and the others arrived?"


    "Mr. Osborne and the others didn''t get an invitation."


    Debra''s lips curved into a smirk. "No invitation for Randy, Erica, Marion, but me."


    It was ironic since Melody had never attached so much importance to her.


    "Let''s go."


    She was a vision in a red gown that hugged her figure perfectly, her curls cascading down her back. Around her neck and wrists gleamed limited-edition jewelry from the Riley family. Her appearance immediately attracted attention. "Mrs. Nichols Sr., Debra is here."


    In the center of the hall, Shelia, dressed in a white gown, stood arm-in-arm with Melody. Her pregnant belly was prominent, and standing beside Melody made her glow even more.


    Melody looked at Debra with a mocking smile. She clinked sses with Leah Riley, a woman in her forties who exuded elegance and grace.


    "Mrs. Riley, I hope you''re enjoying yourself."


    "You too, Mrs. Nichols Sr."


    Leah and her husband, Jack Riley, were the epitome of a loving couple.


    Debra had done her homework on Riley Jewelry when she was considering a coboration. Leah and Jack were currently at the helm of thepany.


    They had been married for over 20 years, and their love never faded. Despite the luxurious and high-end nature of their jewelry, each piece was designed with Leah in mind.


    Debra had chosen to wear some of Leah''s favorite designs, hoping to curry favor with the woman. However, she wasn''t na?ve enough to believe in the fairy-tale romance of the industry.


    A quick investigation revealed that Jack was keeping a college student as a mistress, a fact that Leah was aware of but chose to ignore.


    This situation reminded Debra of her own predicament. If she could use this shared experience to gain Leah''s sympathy and favor, it would make her task much easier.


    Seeing Jack walk away to discuss business, Debra approached Leah.


    "Mrs. Riley."


    Leah turned around, her eyes lighting up as she saw the jewelry adorning Debra''s neck and wrists.


    "Ms. Frazier?"


    "It''s me. I didn''t expect you to remember me."


    Debra smiled, and Leah''s eyes were filled with nostalgia.


    "Last time saw you, you were just a little girl. can''t believe how much you''ve grown. I heard your family


    Vonov


    wasan trouble and you went to be a trainee." ,N?velDrama.Org content rights.


    "Well, the trainee program was scrapped long ago. Now, I''m a minor shareholder at the McKinney Group and a housewife." "Really?"


    Leah was a housewife too, and the shared experience created an instant bond between them.


    "What about your marriage?" Leah asked.


    f


    Debra sighed, "We''re still going through the divorce process. He refuses to sign the papers, and there''s nothing I can do. But I''ve already got a new boyfriend. I just hope the divorce is finalized soon."


    Leah''s eyes filled with sympathy. "That''s a pity."


    Seizing the moment, Debra said, "I envy you and Mr. Riley. You''re so devoted to each other."


    "Yeah." Leah forced a smile.


    Debra raised an eyebrow, her voice filled with feigned curiosity. "Have you and Mr. Riley had some disagreements recently?" "Not at all. We''ve always loved each other," Leah replied, but her voicecked confidence.


    Debra leaned in. "Men don''t cherish what they have until they lose it. I''ve experienced it firsthand. If it weren''t for Juan keeping that woman wouldn''t have..."