It seemed like The Silent Shadows were really trying to cash in on the situation. The Pearl Hotel must mean something special to them. Sophie paused, caught up in her thoughts. Just then, a chorus of exmations from a nearby group pulled her back to the moment. Looking up, she saw a striking woman, dressed to the nines, making her way down the grand staircase from the second floor. Her beauty was undeniable, and it wasn''t just Sophie who noticed.


    "That''s Mr. Donny''s goddaughter," Kena remarked, a sneer ying on her lips.


    Mr. Donny was pulling the same kind of stunt Daniel had tried before, using his goddaughter to cozy up to wealthy businessmen. It was downright sickening. Poor Leticia had ended up taking her own life, and who knew how long this new woman could hold out? "Jenna,e over here," Mr. Donny called warmly to Gina.


    Gina''s smile was dazzling, like an angel who''d identally wandered into the mortal world-pure and untouched. She epitomized the phrase perfectly, far more innocent-looking than Nichole ever was. The businessmen around ogled Gina as if she were some wless masterpiece.


    Kena frowned, whispering, "That scoundrel probably ns to use Gina tonight to rake in cash or maybe to leverage her beauty for some power and perks."


    Before they could delve deeper into their conversation, the room''s attention shifted to another figure. Colby was descending from the second floor.


    Taken aback, Kena blurted, "When did Mr. Colby get here?" She quickly nced at Sophie, who was just as clueless about Colby''s early arrival and his presence upstairs.


    After over ten days without seeing him, Colby seemed leaner, but he had shed his previous scruffiness. In a sharp suit, he gracefully made his way from the second floor to the banquet hall''s dance floor.


    Mr. Donny greeted Colby with


    warmth, and surprisingly, Colby was all smiles andughter with him. Although Colby''s expressions were usually understated, Sophie could still Spot the subtle smile on hisThis is from N?velDrama.Org.


    face.


    Gina appeared quite familiar with Colby, even warmly reaching out to greet him. Colby, who typically avoided shaking hands with women, returned Gina''s handshake with politeness. "What on earth is Colby up to?" Kena wondered aloud, turning to Sophie.


    Sophie''s face was stoic, but inside, it felt like a dagger had pierced her heart. Colby hadn''t nced her way once. In the past, he would have spotted her in a heartbeat, even in a crowded room.


    Mr. Donny''s gazended on Sophie


    too, with a look that seemed almost taunting. Gina and Colby were deep in conversation, and while their topic was a mystery, it was clear Colby wasn''t bothered. He even initiated some exchanges with Gina.


    Everyone knew about Sophie and Colby''s history, and as they watched this scene unfold, they stayed quiet, soaking in the drama. Rumors were flying that Sophie had been ying games, leaving Colby heartbroken. One used of tricking her way into marriage, the other of cheating-divorce seemed


    inevitable.