Between Ruin And Resolve My Ex-Husband's Regret novel Chapter 268

Chapter 268 A String Of Beads

Noah’s voice was low and rough, laced with something unspoken–an emotion buried deep, restrained yet unmistakable.

Sadie snapped back to the present, suppressing the whirlwind inside her. “Mr. Wall, what does your affair with Miss Quinn have to do with me?”

The words were delivered with a chilling detachment, but beneath them, she held tightly onto the unraveling threads of her emotions. Vivi. Or anyone else. It had nothing to do with her.

Noah’s expression darkened. This wasn’t the reaction he had expected.

He had braced himself for anger, for accusations, for the fire that once flared in her eyes three years ago.

His jaw tightened as he studied her face, searching for something–anything–beneath that composed mask. But there was nothing.

“Sadie.” Her name slipped from his lips, quieter this time. “Do you really not care?”

“Care?” Sadie tilted her head slightly, her lips curling into something dangerously close to mockery. “And why would I?” She held his gaze, unwavering. “Should I concern myself with your fleeting indulgences, Mr. Wall?” Her voice was velvety smooth, but her words were razor–sharp. “Or your feelings?”

Noah’s breath hitched for half a second–just long enough for her to notice. Before he could respond, there was a knock on

the door.

“Mr. Wall, the charity auction is about to begin. Will you and Mrs. Wall be taking your seats now?” The manager’s voice, laced with careful deference, drifted from outside the lounge.

Sadie seized the moment like a lifeline. Without hesitation, she stepped past Noah, pushing the door open with a sense of urgency. “We’re heading over now,” she responded smoothly.

Noah remained where he stood for a moment, watching her slip away from him like sand through his fingers. A quiet ache settled in his chest–a weight he couldn’t quite define.

He exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair before following her out.

As they stepped into the grand banquet hall, the air seemed to shift. Eyes turned toward them instantly, conversations dimming under the weight of their presence.

Across the room, Eva lounged in her seat, swirling her champagne with a knowing smirk. Her gaze flickered between them, amusement dancing in her eyes.

Ah, now this was getting interesting.

Meanwhile, Vivi sat rigid, her nails digging into her palms.

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Chapter 268 A String Of Beads

She had just found out that Sadie was actually Noah’s wife.

For three years, women had flitted in and out of Noah’s orbit. Some lingering, most forgotten. But never–never–had Vivi

heard a whisper of him being married.

Jealousy twisted inside her, coiling like a venomous serpent around her heart.

The auction was in full swing.

The auctioneer’s voice rang out with fervor, introducing each item with practiced enthusiasm. The energy in the room grew steadily, anticipation buzzing through the elegantly dressed guests as bids were placed one after another.

Sadie absently flipped through the auction catalog, her mind elsewhere–until her fingers froze mid–turn.

Staring back at her from the glossy page was an image of a vintage string of beads–intricately carved, uniquely designed.

A piece unlike any other.

Her pulse quickened.

A sharp tremor ran through her fingertips as she traced the photo in disbelief. It had belonged to her mother. The very string of beads that had disappeared with her all those years ago.

Sadie had scoured everywhere, searched endlessly–but the string had vanished without a trace. She had long abandoned

the hope of ever seeing it again.

And yet, here it was. On display. For sale.

Her chest tightened, a flood of emotions crashing over her- shock, disbelief, an ache so deep it nearly stole her breath.

Noah, ever observant, noticed the shift in her demeanor. “What’s wrong?”

Sadie inhaled sharply, forcing herself to steady her racing heart. She pointed to the image, her voice barely above a whisper and trembling with restrained emotion. “This string of beads… It belonged to my mother.”

Noah’s expression darkened slightly as he followed her gaze to the catalog. His brow furrowed. “Are you certain?”

“Without a doubt. My mother carved this herself. I would never mistake it.”

The auctioneer’s voice rang out across the hall, smooth and commanding. “Starting bid, 500 thousand.”

Sadie barely hesitated. “One million.”