Your Uncle’s My Husband Now Back Off, Ex! novel Chapter 82

**Through Unseen Doors We Step Into Untold Worlds Beyond**
by Sage Hunter Lane

Nyla meticulously added the solution to the flask, watching as the vibrant colors swirled and danced in reaction. The hum of the lab was a comforting backdrop as she settled into her chair, ready to document her experiment. Yet, as she began to write, her mind drifted, wandering into the realm of thoughts and distractions that often plagued her during long hours in the lab.

Suddenly, the shrill ring of her phone sliced through the silence, pulling her back to the present with a jolt. Glancing at the screen, she saw Clark’s name flash before her. With a mix of curiosity and anticipation, she swiped to answer. “What’s up?” she inquired, her voice steady but laced with a hint of intrigue.

“Nyla, there’s a charity gala tonight. Come with me,” Clark’s voice came through, confident and inviting, but there was an urgency beneath his words that piqued her interest.

Nyla paused, contemplating the invitation. The idea of attending a gala seemed both thrilling and daunting. “Alright. What should I wear?” she finally asked, her mind racing through the possibilities of elegant dresses and sparkling accessories.

Clark’s reassurance came quickly, “No need to worry about that. I’ll have my secretary prepare something for you.” His tone was authoritative, leaving no room for argument, which eased some of her apprehension.

With the outfit taken care of, Nyla decided to push aside any lingering worries about attire. After confirming the time of their departure, she ended the call and returned to her work, but her thoughts were now filled with images of the evening ahead.

As the hours slipped by, the workday came to a close much sooner than she expected. Nyla diligently filled out the last of her experiment records, ensuring everything was in order before she meticulously cleaned her equipment. Each piece was returned to its rightful place, and with a final glance around the lab, she locked the door behind her, stepping out into the evening air.

…

Nyla and Clark arrived at the gala just as the clock struck 7:00 p.m. The grandeur of the venue was overwhelming, with lights twinkling like stars against the backdrop of the night. As they exited the car, Clark turned to her, extending his arm for her to link hers with his. He leaned in slightly, whispering, “You know most of the people here. I’ll be discussing business, so just mingle and chat.”

With Valarie absent from the gala, Nyla took a glass of juice from a passing server and sought refuge in a quiet corner, her heart set on waiting for someone specific. She wasn’t inclined to mingle with the other guests; after all, she understood that once she finalized her divorce from Clark, these social connections would fade into obscurity.

Unbeknownst to her, the moment she stepped into the room, she had inadvertently captured someone’s attention. Erin, still simmering from her earlier rejection by Damon, felt a surge of resentment wash over her as she laid eyes on Nyla. The person beside her, noticing her glare, asked, “Erin, I heard you recently had dinner with the Sumners. How did it go? Did you win over Damon?”

Erin’s expression soured at the mention of his name. “Don’t bring that up. There are plenty of men in this city besides him. And having dinner with the Sumners is just business as usual. Builders Property and Prospectus Technology are partners,” she snapped, her voice dripping with disdain.

The memory of her earlier humiliation, having humbled herself in front of Damon only to be met with indifference, ignited her anger anew. She gulped down her drink in one swift motion, her gaze fixed on Nyla, cold and calculating.

“What’s the matter? Did Nyla offend you? Want me to teach her a lesson?” the person beside her inquired, sensing the tension radiating from Erin.