The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 146

The more Giselle played the part of the long-suffering victim, the hotter Cassidy’s fury burned.

"Giselle, you're just too sweet. That's why a woman like her thinks she can walk all over you."

Cassidy squeezed her hand, offering a fervent vow. "Don't worry, I'm going to make her pay. There's an exclusive raw gemstone auction in the city in a few days, and I heard Nora's pathetic little studio is desperate for materials. If she shows up, I'll humiliate her in front of everyone."

Giselle lowered her lashes, hiding the cold, triumphant gleam in her eyes. Feigning vulnerability, she nodded and murmured her thanks.

The next day.

The annual premium gemstone auction was well underway in the penthouse of a private downtown club.

Nora wore a sharply tailored black pantsuit, her long hair swept back into an elegant twist. Armed with the official auction catalog, she took her designated seat.

Her studio had recently landed several high-end custom orders, and the clients specifically requested top-tier jadeite as the centerpiece.

To track down the perfect raw materials, Nora secured an invitation through a contact Julian had introduced her to.

The hall was bathed in brilliant light, crystal chandeliers casting a dazzling glow over the room. Guests in exquisite formal wear clustered in small groups, chatting softly.

Nora sat quietly, leafing through her catalog. In the row ahead, several young socialites were gossiping, their hushed voices carrying perfectly on the air conditioning draft right to Nora's ears.

"Did you hear? Giselle got back from Scandinavia yesterday."

A woman with a bob, wearing a blush-pink gown, whispered the news.

"I went to her welcome-home tea party yesterday afternoon."

"Giselle is just too nice, too innocent. That's why trashy women think they can walk all over her."

Cassidy sneered. "Does Nora actually believe marrying a Hayes turns her into royalty?"

"Giselle wasn't feeling well enough to come today. So I'm keeping watch. Whatever Nora wants, I'm going to make sure she doesn't get it. I'll teach her a lesson for Giselle, and put her right back in her place."

The women in the front row murmured their agreement, mocking Nora while showering Cassidy with praise for standing up for her friend.

Nora sat quietly in the back, listening to their twisted gossip without a single flicker of emotion on her face.

Giselle was back.

She had enjoyed her vacation, and the second she returned, she immediately started spreading her malicious little rumors among the elite.