The Ex-Wife He Can’t Have novel Chapter 124

Looking at the two massive plates overflowing with exquisite food, Judith felt a wave of embarrassment. "Look at the trouble I've caused! You two should be enjoying the gala, yet you rushed all the way out here just to bring me food."

"Please don't mention it. I'm Jillian's friend, so just treat me like family."

Mallory's tone was incredibly sincere, completely devoid of the cold arrogance so common among the wealthy.

Listening to Mallory's gentle voice, the lingering awkwardness in Judith's chest completely evaporated.

She was genuinely happy that her daughter had made such a kind, well-mannered friend.

Starving by now, Judith stopped refusing and lowered her head, taking small, careful bites.

Mallory's phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, then looked up at Jillian. "It's Daniel Langley. He probably couldn't find us and is looking around. I'll head back first. You stay here with your mom."

"Alright, go ahead," Jillian nodded softly.

Mallory turned and walked away quickly, answering the call on the move. She gave Daniel a brief update on where she was but purposefully omitted running into Jillian's mother.

She knew her boundaries; this was Jillian's private family matter, and she wasn't about to gossip.

The secluded corridor was instantly left to just the mother and daughter.

Judith put down her fork and looked up at her daughter, her eyes clouded with anxiety. "Jill... did I embarrass you tonight?"

Those words felt like a needle violently piercing Jillian's heart. A sharp pang shot through her chest, and her eyes instantly grew red.

Swallowing the painful lump in her throat, she forced a soft smile. "Mom, stop overthinking it. Mallory isn't that kind of person."

"I could tell. She comes from a good family and has real class."

Judith sighed, a trace of helplessness hidden in her eyes as she murmured, "It seems there's a difference even among the wealthy. Your mother-in-law's family..."

She couldn't help but remember the arrogant, sneering expression she had seen on Sienna Sterling's face earlier. If Sienna caught her working here as a cleaner, Judith dreaded to think of the cruel insults she would hurl at them both.

He had been an anxious wreck all night. From the very second he caught a glimpse of Judith's figure, his mind had been consumed by paranoia and dark suspicions.

He had run the scenario over and over in his head, growing increasingly suspicious. Out of all the places in the city, why was Judith here? And why, out of all the people she could have bumped into, did it have to be him?

The more he thought about it, the more dangerous it felt. Even during the auction, while he maintained a perfectly composed exterior, he was terrified that Judith would burst in and expose his past to the entire room.

Madeline knew about his previous marriage to Judith, but the rest of high society did not.

After getting together with Madeline, she had funneled money into branding him as a distinguished intellectual with an elite overseas education.

If Judith exposed his true origins, his reputation would be obliterated. He'd never be able to show his face in public again.

Driven to the edge by his mounting panic, Silas had come searching for Judith early, desperate to pay her off and get rid of her.

Hearing the approaching footsteps, the mother and daughter turned their heads simultaneously. Three pairs of eyes collided unexpectedly in the empty corridor.