The Transactional Marriage That Imploded novel Chapter 37

Hearing the commotion, Cillian rushed over. Taking in the angry red welt swelling on Bianca's cheek, his expression turned freezing cold. "Is this how Mrs. York treats her guests? If Mr. York hadn't specifically requested Bianca's presence today, she wouldn't even be here. Calling her a social climber is a complete fabrication, not to mention this baseless slander spilling out of your mouth. If I hear you spreading rumors like this again, I won't hesitate to take legal action."

Juliana's face drained of color, then flushed an ugly red. Cynthia stepped in, frowning. "My, Mr. Calder, you're certainly protective of her. If I didn't know better, I'd assume there was something going on between the two of you."

Cillian shot her a lethal glare. "Ms. Quinn, do not assume that just because you've latched onto Mr. Jagger, you're exempt from controlling your tongue in public."

Mathis finally spoke, his face an unreadable mask. "Mr. Calder, let's not escalate things."

Bianca felt a surge of gratitude. No matter the situation, Cillian always stood firmly in her corner. By stark contrast, her husband—at least on paper—was watching her get humiliated without batting an eye.

*Fine,* she thought. *We are destined to be strangers anyway.*

Conrad, wanting to save face in front of Cillian, harshly ordered Juliana to apologize. Gritting her teeth, Juliana offered a stiff, rehearsed apology. "Ms. Baldwin, I am sorry. I lost my temper just now. It won't happen again."

Bianca stared at her with icy composure. "You won't have the chance. I will never cross paths with you again."

With that, the immediate conflict was squashed.

Cillian pulled Bianca aside, his voice gentle. "I promise, I won't ever ask you to attend an event that isn't strictly business-related again."

"Thank you, Cillian," she said earnestly.

He asked someone to fetch an ice pack, but Simon had already quietly walked over and handed one to her.

Bianca blinked in surprise. Why was Simon suddenly showing her kindness? Simon only said quietly, "Ice it for twenty minutes, or it'll be swollen for days."

Across the room, Juliana scooped up Lydia and marched away, scolding the girl loudly as they went. "Don't you ever associate with shady people like that again! They just want to take advantage of you!"

Cynthia shot a triumphant, provocative look at Bianca's distant table before leaning in to whisper intimately with Mathis. They looked sickeningly close. Bianca looked away after a single glance, turning her attention fully to the stage.

When the banquet ended, Juliana personally handed out luxury gift bags to every single guest—except Bianca.

Everyone walked out holding an elegant favor, leaving Bianca entirely empty-handed.

She was genuinely bewildered by how intense and targeted Juliana's hostility toward her was.

Mathis and Cynthia's party favors were even more exclusive. Juliana had specifically ordered matching designer bracelets for them from a luxury boutique. Upon receiving the box, Mathis reached out with his long, elegant fingers and clasped the bracelet around Cynthia's wrist. Blushing, Cynthia did the same for him.

The surrounding guests cheered and recorded the moment on their phones, acting as if they were witnessing an epic romance.