I Stopped Loving Him When He Let Me Bleed Out novel Chapter 488

She wore a flowing, water-blue evening gown, her hair cascading perfectly down her shoulders. Her makeup was flawless, and she held a glass of champagne with a practiced, impeccably tailored smile.

She carried herself with an effortless grace, as if this entire banquet hall was her domain and she was graciously hosting a guest in her own home.

Looking at her, Sienna was struck by the acute realization that she truly was just a visitor here.

Sasha stepped closer, her voice light and airy.

"You look gorgeous tonight, Sienna. That color really suits you."

She offered a sweet smile, feigning absolute sincerity.

"Though... this kind of setting doesn't really call for such a minimalist look. It's your first time here, so you probably didn't know, but the Fletcher family galas have always leaned toward the extravagant."

She gestured elegantly with her glass toward a group of wealthy socialites chatting nearby.

"Look at them. They're all draped in statement pieces. As for the pearls you're wearing... how should I put it..." She intentionally dragged out her words. "They're quite unique... I suppose everyone has their own personal tastes."

It sounded like a well-intentioned piece of advice, but Sienna heard the venom loud and clear.

Sasha was deliberately pointing out that she didn't belong here, that she was an outsider awkwardly trying to force her way into a social circle above her station.

A few nearby guests turned their heads at the remark. Some subtly hid smirks behind their cocktail glasses, while others pretended not to hear and drifted away.

Sienna stood her ground, her expression perfectly blank.

"Don't overthink it, Sienna," Sasha added, tilting her head with an even softer smile. "I'm just worried you might feel out of place. After all, blending into these circles requires a certain level of tact that takes years to learn. It's perfectly normal to be a little lost on your first try."

Sienna parted her lips, ready to fire back.

But Sasha had already turned away, eagerly drifting toward the grand entrance.

Maeve Thorne had arrived.

She wore a deep crimson evening gown that draped beautifully over her figure, devoid of any excessive embellishments. Her hair was gathered in an elegant low chignon, and a pair of breathtakingly flawless jade earrings hung from her ears.

She had applied light makeup, softening the usual sharp lines of her brow.

She stood with an unhurried, unshakable presence, looking every bit the seasoned matriarch of high society.

The moment Maeve entered, she effortlessly commanded the attention of the entire room.

"The color of this dress complements you perfectly. My father was just saying earlier how lucky Mr. Fletcher is to have you."

Maeve didn't pull her arm away. The corners of her lips twitched upward into a faint smile.

"Your father is here tonight?"

Sasha nodded enthusiastically.

"Yes, my oldest brother and his wife are here too. The Beaumont family has always prioritized the Fletcher galas. After all, our families go way back." As she spoke, she cast a sidelong glance in Sienna's direction, her eyes practically overflowing with an intense sense of superiority.

Maeve smoothly picked up the conversational thread.

"The Beaumonts certainly brought quite the delegation tonight. I just saw your father speaking with a few of the board members earlier."

She naturally lowered her voice, subtly closing the distance between them.

It was a stark, jarring contrast to the chilly reception she had just given Sienna.

The social hierarchy had been instantly established.