Back in the hall, my gaze swept over to where Trinity was. She raised an eyebrow at me, looking cunning, like a sly fox.


    As I turned, I noticed Liora walking in from outside. I was puzzled-she hadn''t gone to the restroom, so where had she been? However, at the moment, she didn''t look too well.


    I took a ss of red wine from a waiter''s tray, sipping it slowly while my eyes casually observed Liora. Simultaneously, I scanned the hall filled with elegance and sophistication. Ivanna whispered to me, "I''ll go find out."


    I nodded, and she walked into the crowd.


    Just then, a voice sounded beside me, "I didn''t expect to see you here, Ms. Chloe."


    Upon hearing this, I sensed an underlying meaning in the tone.


    Involuntarily, I turned to look, and a seductive woman was walking toward me from behind.


    I recognized her. She was Madison Bard. She used to be one of Liora''s followers.


    Madison''s father was also involved in real estate but dealt with second-hand houses. Over the past few years, with Foswood''s booming economy, the housing market suddenly took off.


    Her father cleverly transformed a mediocre smallpany into a leading real estatepany. They became nouveau riche, and their assets skyrocketed, making them an indispensable giant in Foswood''s rea estate industry.


    This unexpected turn of fortune made Madison think highly of herself, believing she had be a true socialite. She adorned herself with heavy makeup, wore items withrge designerbels, and was highly


    ostentatious.


    Now, she was swaying her hips toward me. There was a hint of disdain on her face. Based on her tone earlier, I knew she was here to stir up trouble. "Ms. Chloe, you seem to be quite a prominent figure now. Why didn''t youe with Mr. As today? He should be apanying you, shouldn''t he?"


    She was present when As announced our engagement. But she said those words on purpose today, hoping to rile up a crowd and pit us against each other. She wanted to remind everyone that I was a divorced woman by addressing me as "Ms. Chloe," and made it clear to them that As wasn''t present today.


    Her words drew many eyes to us, and I was sure that most of them were As''s admirers. I could tell from the looks on their faces that some were curious, some admired me, and some had bad intentions. Content property of N?velDra/ma.Org.


    I smiled faintly, understanding that standing by As''s side meant enduring criticism and provocations.


    Madison represented those who had their eyes on As, it seemed.


    Calm andposed, I responded, "Not every asion requires both of us to attend. Whether hees or not won''t affect what I need to do." Upon hearing this, Madison sneered, "I don''t know where you get your confidence. Do you really think you''re someone important to him?"


    "It''s apparent you have a strong opinion," I replied, ncing at a few bold followers who had joined her. "Is this a group effort?"


    She swung her wine ss, bluntly stating, "It''s not just my opinion. Without Mr. As, what are you?"


    Madison said this with a mocking smile, and her words resonated with many so-called socialites. Some of them were probably discontented for a while, and now that someone took the lead, they eagerly joined in to watch the drama.


    Among this group, there was Poppy, who was ring at me. It was evident that she must have strong feelings for As. Now that Madison spoke out against me, she said, "She even has a bit of Harmony''s charm."


    Even more sharply, herpanion added, "Harmony, at least, wasn''t a divorcee."


    This remark triggered even more satisfaction from the women around, who were now looking at me mockingly.