She Was Never Just the Wife novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Chapter 32

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Everyone turned to look. A man in a dark gray suit was making his way over. He was tall, commanding, with sharp, chiseled features and ice-cold eyes. As he approached, the whole room seemed to go still.

“Mr. Perry?” Someone gasped, recognizing him.

Elliott Perry, the eldest grandson of the Perry family in Brighton and the head of the Perry Group. At just thirty, he already ran a massive business empire.

He was known for being ruthless, decisive, and keeping a low profile. He almost never stepped into the public

eye.

Elliott walked straight up to Celia, gave her a once-over, and frowned. “You’re sick, and you still showed up to something like this?” His voice was casual, but warm, as if caring for her was something he was used to.

Celia was stunned, but before she could respond, Elliott turned to Emily, his gaze icy. “Mrs. Lucero, today is Mr. Lucero’s birthday celebration. Is this how the Luceros treat their guests, publicly humiliating their own daughter-in-law?”

Emily felt a chill run wn her spine under his gaze, but she forced herself to stand her ground. “Mr. Perry, this is our family business. Outsiders really shouldn’t be butting in, don’t you think?”

“Family business?” Elliott smirked coldly. “Ms. Ross gave you cufflinks by Trenton. He’s been retired for years, and his pieces are priceless now. And you called them worthless? Mrs. Lucero, you have too high standards, or just shallow taste?”

“Trenton Fuentes?” Someone gasped.

“That cufflink master? His last work sold for three million dollars at the last auction”

“Oh my god, I never even noticed.”

Emily went pale as a ghost. She didn’t know the first thing about collectibles, but sne’d definitely heard of Trenton Fuentes. ‘If those cufflinks really were Trenton’ work… she figured.

Aiyana’s eyes flickered, feigning surprise. “So those cufflinks were actually worth a fortune? Celia, you really went all out. But…” She suddenly changed her tone, a hint of insinuation creeping in. “Mr. Perry seems to know everything about you, even what gift you brought.

“You two must be pretty close, huh? Celia, you’re not even divorced yet, and you’re already rushing to find your next man?” Her words sent the crowd’s gossiping into overdrive.

“Aiyana!” Beckham snapped, his expression thunderous.

Ricardo was so startled by Beckham’s outburst that he let out a wail, clinging tightly to Beckham’s neck. “Daddy, I’m scared.”

Elliott gave Aiyana an icy stare. “Watch your mouth, Ms. Stein. Ms. Ross and I go way back. Her mother, Mireya Weiss, did the Perry family a huge favor back in the day. So when I saw her being treated unfair, I stepped in.”

19:28 Mon, May 11

Chapter 32

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He paused, letting his eyes sweep the room. “If anyone here thinks they can start rumors or trash her reputation, I’ll use the law to make things right.”

His words hit like a hammer. Everyone knew where he stood with Celia and that they’d better shut their mouths. The tension hung in the air, no one daring to speak.

Just then, Laylah chimed in, her voice soft. “Mr. Perry, I’m sorry. Aiyana is still young. She just says things without thinking.”

Then she turned to Celia, her tone full of fake remorse. “Ms. Ross, I’m really sorry. I apologize on Aiyana’s behalf. After all, it’s Tanner’s birthday today. Let’s all try to keep things pleasant, shall we?”

As she spoke, she picked up a glass of water from the waiter’s tray and handed it to Celia. “Ms. Ross, since you’re not feeling well, have some water. Better skip the champagne.”

Celia took the glass and murmured her thanks.

Laylah watched Celia sip the water. A faint mocking smile flickered in her eyes, then vanished.

“Oh my gosh,” Aiyana gasped, her hand jerking. The glass tipped, and champagne went flying all over Celia’s silk dress. The ivory white silk was instantly soaked through, champagne dripping down in messy rivulets.

“I’m so sorry.” Aiyana stammered, her hands scrambling for napkins in a theatrical panic. “It was an accident. Celia, are you alright?”

Celia glanced down at the mess on her dress and gave a little frown

“Aiyana, be more careful,” Laylah chided, giving her a pointed look. Then she turned to Celia, gentle in tone. “Ms. Ross, let me take you to the lounge to change. I have an extra dress.”

“No need,” Celia said, pushing Laylah’s hand away. “I’ll handle it.” She nodded slightly to Brogan, then walked toward the lounge near the side entrance of the ballroom.

Laylah watched Celia leave. A smug flickered across her lips, then it was gone. Sturned to Beckham, her voice soft. “Beckham, maybe you should go check on her. She might need some help,”

“She’ll be fine,” Beckham said coldly. Ricardo had already fallen asleep in his arms.

Elliott watched Celia leave, frowning. He moved to follow, but some business associates blocked his way,

The gossip in the hall started again. “Man, Mrs. Lucero’s in such an awkward spot.”

“But what Mr. Perry said just now really packed a punch.”

“It looks like Celia’s got someone backing her up after all.”

Emily’s face was dark with fury. She shot a poisonous glare toward the door Celia had disappeared through, then turned to Beckham. “Look at her, making a huge deal out of nothing.

“Can’t she at least pretend to have some dignity at an event like this?”

19:28 Mon, May 11

Chapter 32

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Beckham stayed silent, staring at where Celia had gone, his brow furrowed. It hit him how pale Celia had looked and the way she’d tried to hide that cough behind her hand. ‘Is she actually sick?’ he wondered.

Then he pushed the thought aside, annoyed. He told himself, ‘Why should I care? She agreed to the divorce first.’

“Beckham,” Laylah said gently, “Ricardo’s asleep. Can I take him to the lounge?”

Beckham gave a nod, handed Ricardo to her, and melted back into the crowd. He missed the secret look Laylah and Aiyana shared as Laylah took Ricardo.

Aiyana whispered in Laylah’s ear, “Dear, she had that champagne.”

Laylah’s mocking widened as she whispered, “Make sure it’s clean. Don’t leave any traces.”

“Sure,” Aiyana grinned, sly as a fox.

Across the hall, Elliott finally shook off the crowd and was heading for the lounge when he spotted Tanner coming over from the head table.

“Elliott, glad to see you.” Tanner said. smiling as he gave him a warm pat on the shoulder. “Thanks for looking out for Celia earlier.”

“That’s very kind of you” Elliott nodded slightly. “Ms. Ross is unwell. I’m going to check on her.”

Tanner sighed. “Celia’s always been too hard on herself. Sick or not, she never complains. She just shows up.” He paused, lowering his voice. “Elliott, please take care of Celia in l. future.”

Elliott’s face turned serious, then he gave a solemn nod. “I’ve got this, Mr. Lucero.”

Just then, the ballroom lights dimmed. A spotlight clicked on, hitting the center stage. The emcee stepped up and announced that the next event was about to start.

Elliott shot a glance at the lounge, then followed the crowd to the head table.

*****

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