The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 109

While not top-tier elites, the Sterling family held undeniable influence in the building materials industry.

In socialite circles, Seraphina had always paraded herself as Giselle's head lackey.

She desperately sucked up to Giselle solely to leverage that connection and secure a few more contracts from The Hayes Group for her family's business.

Seraphina stepped right up to Nora, looking her up and down with undisguised contempt. A few nearby socialites, eager for a show, gravitated closer to form a small circle around them.

"Giselle was complaining in the group chat a few days ago, saying someone at home was making her so miserable she couldn't even eat. I was wondering who it was, but of course it was you."

Seraphina raised her voice, ensuring everyone around could hear. "Nora, why aren't you reflecting on your mistakes at home? How do you even have the nerve to show your face at a gala like this?"

Nora's expression turned cold. She didn't want to cause a scene at Gideon's event, so she turned slightly, preparing to walk past her.

"Stop right there."

Seraphina stepped sideways, blocking her path again, her voice shrill. "What's wrong? Mrs. Hayes can't even be bothered to say hello to an acquaintance before leaving? Or is it because you sneaked out to attend this gala behind Giselle's back and now you're feeling guilty?"

Hearing the commotion, several guests stopped their conversations and turned their attention toward them.

Nora looked at Seraphina's aggressively provocative face, her tone perfectly even.

"Ms. Sterling, this is a public setting. As Gideon's wife, I am accompanying him to this gala. What on earth do I have to feel guilty about?"

"Wife?"

Nora's fingers gripped the handle of her teacup tightly. She had heard these exact ugly words countless times over the past three years.

Once, they would have easily pierced her, making her cry silently into the night. But now, facing Seraphina's unreasonable attack, she felt nothing but exhaustion and indifference.

She took a deep breath, preparing to shut down the provocation herself.

"A trophy?"

An unimaginably cruel, bone-chilling male voice suddenly exploded from the edge of the crowd without warning.

The surrounding whispers vanished into thin air. The crowd parted automatically, clearing a wide path.