When She Ended It With Divorce (Chiara and Titus) novel Chapter 99

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**Chapter 99**

Chiara felt an unusual intensity in Lena’s gaze, prompting her to glance over.

To her astonishment, Lena offered a small, almost elusive smile, a rarity in their interactions.

“Ms. Lynch, you truly are the most stunning woman here tonight,” Lena remarked, her voice laced with sincerity.

Chiara was taken aback by the compliment, sensing an oddity in the moment, yet she managed to respond with a soft, “Thank you, but I really don’t think I deserve such praise.”

Lena’s smile faded slightly, her eyes drifting away as her fingers tightened around the stem of her wine glass, a hint of tension creeping into her posture.

A steely determination flickered in her eyes, a storm of thoughts swirling beneath the surface.

“Chiara, come on, let me show you around,” Queenie interjected, breaking the charged silence that lingered between the two women.

“Alright,” Chiara replied, casting a brief nod toward Noreen. “Noreen, we’re heading out now.”

Noreen returned the gesture with a warm smile. “Go ahead. It’s your first time here, so let Queenie show you the ropes.”

As Chiara and Queenie moved away, Lena’s eyes followed them, her expression growing colder, each passing second amplifying her unease.

Turning her head, she caught Noreen observing her closely. “Noreen?”

Noreen held her gaze for a moment longer than necessary before inquiring, “Is something bothering you tonight?”

A pang of discomfort shot through Lena’s chest, but she quickly composed herself, shaking her head. “No, not at all. Why do you ask?”

“You just seem a bit off today,” Noreen noted, her voice gentle yet probing.

Lena shook her head again, the weight of unspoken emotions pressing down on her. “It’s really nothing significant. You know me better than anyone, Noreen.”

Noreen scrutinized her for a few seconds, silence wrapping around them like a blanket. “Lena, don’t lose your cool. Don’t let your feelings cloud your judgment. By the time you realize it, it could be too late.”

Another pang gripped Lena’s heart, the worry in Noreen’s voice making her wonder if her friend had sensed something deeper.

Nodding, Lena ducked her head. “I understand, Noreen.”

Noreen sighed deeply, her words hanging in the air like a warning. “I truly hope you do.”

Meanwhile, Queenie had picked up a slice of strawberry cake, holding it out to Chiara with an eager smile.

“This is my favorite every year! You have to try it and see if it lives up to the hype,” Queenie urged, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Chiara took a small bite, her taste buds awakening to the sweetness. “Yeah, it’s quite delicious,” she replied, savoring the flavor.

Queenie stuffed a piece into her own mouth, glancing around the room. “I bet Mr. Goodman is hiding out in his office right now.”

“Hiding?” Chiara echoed, a hint of curiosity in her voice.

“Absolutely! The annual party hasn’t even kicked off yet. Mr. Goodman usually makes his grand entrance right on time and heads straight in. But this year? He’s here earlier than ever. Didn’t you two arrive together? If he’s not here, he’s definitely hiding. Otherwise, once he shows up, all those executives will swarm him. I bet he’s feeling the jitters about it,” Queenie speculated, her tone conspiratorial.

Chiara couldn’t suppress a smile. “You think he’d be nervous?”

“Of course! It’s not just any ordinary day. It’s the anniversary bash. No business talk, just everyone buttering each other up. You really think Mr. Goodman isn’t dreading that?” Queenie replied, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Chiara envisioned Titus being surrounded by a throng of people, all vying for his attention and compliments. The image made her chuckle softly to herself, finding the thought amusing.

Queenie polished off her cake and dusted her hands, turning her focus back to Chiara. “What do you want to drink? Let’s skip the hard stuff tonight; just enjoy some champagne.”

Chiara nodded enthusiastically. “Sounds perfect.”

“This one’s really nice,” Queenie said, handing her a glass filled with sparkling bubbles.

“Thanks,” Chiara said, taking it with a grateful smile.

“How does it taste?” Queenie asked, her eyes wide with anticipation.

“Yeah, it’s great…” Chiara replied, her voice trailing off as they continued to laugh and converse, blissfully unaware of Lena’s quiet scrutiny from the sidelines.

Moments later, the lights in the venue dimmed, plunging the space into darkness.

After a brief pause, a spotlight illuminated the stage, revealing the hostess, who stepped forward with a radiant grin, microphone in hand.

“Good evening, everyone! I’m your hostess for tonight. It’s wonderful to see you all again at the annual Goodman Group anniversary celebration. I’m sure you’re all as excited as I am…”

As Chiara caught sight of the hostess, recognition washed over her.

It was Samantha Morre, a well-known entertainment figure whose shows she had often watched during her downtime at home.

“Does Samantha host the anniversary party every year?” Chiara inquired, her curiosity piqued.

“Absolutely! Everyone adores her, so they keep bringing her back,” Queenie replied, her tone filled with admiration.

Chiara nodded, a smile breaking across her face. She was a fan of Samantha too; who wouldn’t be charmed by someone so radiant, vivacious, and full of life?