The True Heiress Reborn And Slays (Alicia Delaney) novel Chapter 124

Chapter 124 Silent War Between These Women

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She walked out of the lounge with Lucas like she owned the place–elegant, poised, and ready to shine under the banquet lights.

They made their way through the crowd of clinking glasses and small talk, heading straight for the corner of the hall where a small circle of wealthy, well–dressed women had gathered.

The closer Sophia got, the faster her heart pounded.

But when they got close enough to hear the laughter and conversation, both of them stopped in their tracks without even realizing

1. it.

There, surrounded by Amanda and several of Havenbrook’s most influential society ladies, laughing and chatting as she belonged there, was Riley, the same Riley who was supposedly too proud and stubborn to stick around.

She wasn’t wearing the fishtail dress anymore. Now she had on a black gown, with sharp, stunning makeup that washed away all her usual cold, plain look. The curve of her red lips was confident and charming.

Her hair was pinned up high. Around her neck sat a gorgeous set of ruby jewelry–rich and blazing. The intense color instantly made Sophia’s diamonds look dull and cheap.

Lucas‘ mind went completely blank. He stared at Riley–radiant, untouchable–and could barely believe his own eyes.

Sophia’s smile, on the other hand, cracked apart.

She looked at Riley, surrounded like a star, then looked at herself. All that joy she’d felt just moments ago about being the winner? It was gone and replaced by the sting of a public slap across the face.

Just then, Riley seemed to feel their eyes on her. She turned her head slowly and let her gaze sweep over them–calm, distant.

“Riley?” Lucas finally found his voice. He pulled his arm away from Sophia without thinking and stepped forward quickly. Shock was written all over his face. “What are you doing here?” he demanded. “Sophia said you already went home.”

Amanda and the other ladies had seen plenty of drama in their day. Their eyes moved between the three of them–curious, sharp, and fully aware of every little tension in the air.

The silence around them was thick with awkwardness.

But Riley–the one being questioned–acted like she didn’t feel any of it. She slowly lifted her eyes.

Then she smiled–just a small, amused smile.

“Who said I went home?” Her voice was light and cool, with just the right amount of innocent confusion. “A waiter accidentally spilled something on my dress at the entrance, that’s all. I just found a place to change.”

At that moment, Amanda–who had been watching the whole thing with clear interest–chimed in with a teasing tone.

“Oh, Lucas,” she said, “this really isn’t a good look for you. A big night like this, and you’re not even paying attention to your own wife? You’ve been walking around with your sister the whole time. Anyone would think Ms. Myers is your real date tonight.”

Lucas‘ face turned red.

Amanda had a serious influence on Havenbrook’s high–society ladies‘ circle. One word from her could steer the whole group’s

1/2

3:43 am P PP.

Chapter 124 Silent War Between These Women

+35 Free Coins

opinion.

He’d brought Sophia tonight specifically to get her in front of these women–to pave the way for the future. But Riley’s unexpected appearance had just turned everything upside down.

“Amanda, you’re joking,” Lucas said, forcing a stiff smile. He subtly shifted half a step to the side, putting clear distance between himself and Sophia.

He explained, “Of course not. Riley just stepped away to take a call when we came in. We accidentally lost each other, that’s all.”

Sophia saw Lucas pulling away from her like that. She was furious inside, but she didn’t dare show it on her face.

She pushed down all her humiliation, picked up a glass of champagne from a passing tray, and put on her most appropriate smile. She raised the glass slightly toward Amanda and the others.

‘Amanda,” she said, “at my banquet last time, there was a little accident, and everyone left disappointed. I’ve felt terrible about it ever since. This toast is my apology to all of you. I hope you won’t hold it against me.”

Amarda and the other ladies exchanged glances. Their smiles were flawless–polite, unreachable.

n front of Lucas, none of them was going to embarrass a woman openly.

‘Ms. Myers, you’re too kind,” Amanda said flatly. She raised her glass, barely touched it to Sophia’s, took a sip, and set it down.

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