I Stopped Loving Him When He Let Me Bleed Out novel Chapter 492

Several guests respectfully raised their glasses in Sienna's direction, and she returned the gesture with a polite nod, not feeling the need to boast.

Sasha clenched her fists so tightly her knuckles turned bone-white. Her lips were pressed into a bloodless, razor-thin line, her heart hammering violently against her ribs. Her entire body shook with suppressed rage.

She stared daggers into Sienna's back, watching the very same people who had been whispering vicious rumors just minutes ago now tripping over themselves to curry favor with her.

Sasha's eyes burned with absolute hatred.

Every single nasty comment she had engineered had violently ricocheted back, smashing her own reputation to pieces.

But the absolute most unbearable blow was yet to come.

Soren Beaumont actually raised his glass to Sienna.

"Ms. Sterling, please forgive the earlier unpleasantness."

He shot a frigid glare in Sasha's direction.

"My sister is young and lacks proper discretion. I will personally ensure she formally apologizes to you at a later date."

Hearing her own brother sell her out felt like a physical blow to Sasha's chest; her perfectly manicured nails dug painfully into her palms.

Mrs. Townsend remained anchored to Sienna's side, enthusiastically discussing Health Commission policies with a warmth that completely eclipsed her previous snobbery.

Another socialite chimed in with a bright smile, asking when Sienna might have time to visit her estate for afternoon tea. Sienna offered a noncommittal smile, replying simply, "Whenever my schedule clears up."

She was neither overly eager nor dismissively arrogant, striking a perfectly balanced, unassailable posture.

Finn finally managed to extricate himself from the board members and made his way back to Sienna.

From a distance, he watched her effortlessly navigating the treacherous social waters.

A deep sense of pride swelled in his chest—his most treasured person was finally being recognized by the world.

He stepped up beside her, his hand resting naturally on the curve of her waist. Leaning in, he brushed his lips against her ear.

"Are you tired?"

Sienna whispered back.

"I'm surviving."

The intimate exchange didn't go unnoticed. The surrounding guests exchanged knowing, approving smiles.

"What a stunning couple," someone murmured.

"Mr. Fletcher certainly has incredible taste."

"If you can't handle it, step aside and leave her to me. I don't have a mother, so Sienna would never have to deal with any toxic in-law drama."

Sienna let out a soft laugh.

"Stop stirring the pot, Paxton."

Paxton didn't flinch.

"I'm just practicing proactive risk management."

As if on cue, Maeve stood up from the VIP table.

She glided over to Soren and his wife, graciously clinking glasses with them and exchanging warm pleasantries.

She then turned to the surrounding socialites, seamlessly steering the conversation from charity initiatives to market trends, fostering an atmosphere of absolute harmony.

At some point, Sasha had scurried back to the VIP area. She positioned herself right next to Maeve, laughing sweetly as she chimed in on the conversation.

Maeve actually reached out and took Sasha's hand, entirely abandoning her previous icy demeanor.

The warmth she showed Sasha was a glaring, intentional contrast to the freezing reception she had given Sienna.