Betrayed and Dumped: She Rose Stronger Than Ever novel Chapter 71

The hotel ballroom sparkled with light. Paul guided Judy over to greet the Larson family elders, then slipped away to a quiet corner and picked up a glass of champagne.

“Paul? There you are.”

He turned around to see Sonja, Bruce, and Morris approaching.

Sonja looked breathtaking in a flowing, ice-blue dress, her hair swept up in an elegant updo. She was the picture of grace, like she’d just stepped out of a fairytale.

Morris arched an eyebrow, grinning. “Wow, look at this. Sonja and Bruce are totally matching tonight.”

Bruce’s tie was a deep sapphire blue and honestly, Morris had a point.

“Stop it,” Sonja said, cheeks turning pink. She lowered her gaze, but couldn’t help sneaking a quick glance at Bruce.

Bruce shot Morris a glare but stayed quiet.

Morris just took a sip of champagne, unfazed. “What do you think, Paul? Am I wrong?”

Paul, unusually quiet, didn’t reply.

Morris nudged him with a laugh. “What’s up with you these days? Trying to outdo Bruce with that ice-cold attitude?”

“You wish you were Bruce,” Paul replied, shoving Morris’s hand away with a look of annoyance. His eyes darted to Bruce and Sonja. “Sorry we’re late. I had to pick Judy up from school. It took longer than I thought.”

Sonja smiled warmly. “Judy’s in her last year, right? She graduates next year? I heard she’s majoring in financial engineering too. Would she be interested in joining NovaStack Cloud? I’d be happy to mentor her.”

Paul shook his head. “She’s busy prepping for grad school. If she gets in, she’ll keep studying.”

Sonja looked interested. “So, which professor is she hoping to study with?”

“Dr. Palmer at Larkhaven College.”

Sonja and Bruce exchanged a look.

“That’s funny,” Sonja said. “We were just talking about working with Dr. Palmer.”

With the engagement now canceled, it was pretty clear he and his mother weren’t coming back.

That’s why the Campbells were sure Stephen and his side of the family knew nothing about the real breakup behind the engagement. It was the only reason they’d invited him tonight.

Now that Stephen arrive with his sister, it proved they were right. He really didn’t know.

At last, the pressure in Sonja’s chest faded. She linked arms with her mother and stepfather, joining the other Campbell elders as they went to greet their guests.

When the hosts moved forward, the crowd parted, clearing a path.

Stephen looked especially sharp tonight in a black three-piece suit that made him seem even taller. Under the lights, he gave off quiet confidence and unmistakable class.

He walked straight toward Sonja and her mother, a hint of a smile in his striking eyes. He nodded politely. His voice was smooth and rich. “Mrs. Campbell, happy birthday.”

Sonja felt rooted to the spot, her heart racing. For a few moments, she couldn’t do anything but stare.