Awakened Housewife Ignore Betrayer's Begs (Scarlett) novel Chapter 585

Ruth laughed along. "If I'd shown up empty-handed, you'd be the first to call me cheap."

Amanda's smile flickered for just a second before she recovered, looping her arm through Ruth's and steering her toward the party. "Come on, let's find you a seat."

Most of the tables were already full. Ruth scanned the crowd, looking for an empty spot.

Then she spotted Madeline. She counted the seats at her table—one free.

She gave Amanda's arm a little tug. "Look here, there's an empty seat right at Madeline's table. I'll sit next to her—it'll be nice and cozy."

Amanda's expression soured instantly. Madeline didn't look thrilled either.

Everyone knew Amanda and Ruth couldn't stand each other. And Madeline? She and Ruth had never gotten along.

But before Amanda could object, Ruth had already turned to Madeline, loud enough for half the table to hear. "Madeline, you wouldn't mind if I sat next to you, would you?"

Madeline's face froze. She couldn't exactly say no, not with everyone watching.

So she forced a bright smile. "Of course not, Ruth. Sit down. I'd love the company."

Ruth knew the welcome was about as genuine as a three-dollar bill. She didn't care. She sat anyway.

She hadn't been invited tonight, and she hadn't come to make friends. Making the people who'd made her daughter-in-law miserable feel uncomfortable? That was its own reward.

Once Ruth was settled, Amanda shot Madeline a quick look before heading off to tend to other guests. Madeline gave a tiny nod in return.

Ruth caught the exchange. Interesting. Looked like the evening wasn't going to be boring.

After the party got going, Madeline leaned over, attempting casual conversation. "Ruth, you look stunning tonight. If I didn't know better, I'd think it was your birthday."

Ruth smiled sweetly. "Madeline, that surgery really did wonders for you. You're so articulate now."

Madeline's smile wavered. "Ruth, you—"

Beside her, Daniel's jaw tightened. His expression had already gone dark.

The moment Ruth walked in, he'd known she was here to stir trouble.

Now, listening to her dig, his fingers curled into a fist beneath the table.

Madeline sputtered, and Ruth pressed on, her tone light but her words sharp. "I'm just glad you're better. You know, I still remember who saved your life. I wonder if you do?"

Ruth paused, then said, "Clean or not, at the very least, a person should have some integrity."

She'd heard plenty about how Daniel had made things difficult for Scarlett. Tonight, she was here to return the favor.

Daniel leaned back in his chair, studying her. "You're saying I don't have integrity?"

Ruth held his gaze. "Do you?"

A slow, cold smile spread across his face. "If you say so, Ruth, then it must be true."

Harris, sitting next to Daniel, could feel the anger radiating off him. This was not good.

Worried things might spiral, Harris raised his glass, trying to steer the conversation elsewhere. "Alright, alright—let's toast. Come on, everyone."

Daniel lifted his glass, but the look he shot Ruth was sharp. Unforgiving.

Harris played host, moving the attention around the table, and after that, Ruth let up. Daniel stayed quiet too, pulling out his phone and scrolling through it, jaw still tight.

Harris leaned over, trying to see what he was doing. Daniel tilted the screen away and shot him a look. "Eat your dinner. Why are you so interested in me texting girls?"