Broken Vows and Buried Twins novel Chapter 84

After leaving the restroom, Hester went straight to the lead event organizer. Five minutes later, she returned to her seat.

Seeing her return, Jasper leaned in slightly, his voice a low, concerned murmur near her ear. "Did something happen?"

"I ran into Melody."

Jasper frowned. "What did she want with you?"

Hester's expression didn't change, her voice calm and light. "She came to flaunt a diamond ring Julian bought her."

Jasper froze, his lips pressing into a tight line, momentarily at a loss for words.

Hester glanced at him sideways and gave a small smile. "Don't worry, I didn't let her walk all over me."

"That's good," Jasper replied, unsure of what else he could possibly say to comfort her. "You're incredible. The problem is entirely with them."

"I know." Hester's eyes were filled with quiet resolve. "I'm not going to let a couple of scumbags make me doubt my own worth. In life, you inevitably cross paths with toxic people—consider it a character-building trial. Learning when to cut your losses is the most important lesson."

Jasper nodded in deep agreement. "It's good that you see it that way."

Just then, the host walked up to the microphone on stage. Jasper sat up straight, turning his attention to the front.

On stage, the host began reading off the list of tonight's major donations. When he reached Hester's name, he paused dramatically before raising his voice. "We extend our deepest gratitude to Hester Carrington of YAH Jewelry for her staggering fifty-million-dollar donation to the Purple Ribbon Mothers' Fund! And... for the donation of a magnificent diamond ring valued in the millions! I must make a special note here: due to her busy schedule, she has generously entrusted this ring to our foundation to be auctioned off tonight, with all proceeds going directly to the fund!"

A massive, high-definition close-up of the diamond ring was projected onto the main screen. This was exactly what Hester had requested.

Sure enough, the moment the image appeared, murmurs rippled through the audience.

"Wait, why does that diamond look so familiar?"

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