The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 15

The atmosphere in the room instantly exploded the moment Giselle arrived.

The aloof heirs practically bounced off the sofas, tripping over themselves to crowd around her.

"Wow, look who finally graced us with her presence!"

"Giselle, over here! We saved you the best seat!"

"What are you drinking? I'll have them pop the Romanee-Conti!"

Nora stayed glued to her seat, watching the men flock to Giselle. The fake, suffocating grins they had given her were entirely replaced by raw, vibrant excitement.

Surrounded like royalty, Giselle bathed in their undivided attention, her beautiful face glowing with arrogance as she absorbed their worship.

"We've been waiting all night for you, Giselle!"

"What do you want to do tonight? Cards, or do we take you downstairs to the lounge?"

"Heard you wanted that limited-edition sports car. If Gideon won't buy it for you, tell me. I'll drop the cash."

Gideon set his phone down.

Looking at Giselle, the glacier in his eyes completely vanished. He waved her over to his side.

Giselle ruthlessly shoved herself into the gap between Gideon and Nora. Treating Nora like invisible air, she boldly hooked her arm through Gideon's.

"Gideon, they were all just complimenting me. Don't I get a reward?"

Gideon pinched her nose playfully, his voice coated in a softness he never showed anyone else.

"Buy whatever you want. Swipe the card."

One of his close friends, Quentin Yates, strolled over with a drink, grinning wickedly.

"If Mr. Hayes Sr. hadn't forced him into signing that prenup on his deathbed, Gideon planned on staying single to protect Giselle forever. Now that you've secured your title as Mrs. Hayes, just sit back and enjoy the money. Stop staring daggers at Giselle and acting jealous."

"Exactly. Giselle is just a girl he's spoiled since childhood. As his wife, why stoop so low as to pick fights with her? It's pathetic."

A round of knowing laughter echoed through the suite.

They didn't say it outright, but their eyes screamed that she was the intruder who had shattered Gideon's peace. To them, she was a parasite who weaponized a debt to chain him down.

Giselle's eyes curved in delight. Leaning her head fully against Gideon's shoulder, she shot a victorious, provocative smirk at Nora.

Nora squeezed the stem of her wine glass until her knuckles turned white.

She turned to look at Gideon, praying that her legal husband would step up and say just one single word to defend her.

Gideon simply picked up his whiskey and took a sip, his eyes glued adoringly to Giselle as she picked out fruit from a platter.