The CEO's Amazing Ex-Wife Is Back (Thalassa and Kris) novel Chapter 183

Chapter 183
The Miller mansion was glowing with lights as guests began streaming in, dressed in their finest attire. Inside, the grand hall had been carefully decorated for the evening.

Linda Miller walked around, a smile etched on her face as she greeted and welcomed guests, her eyes scanning the room to ensure everything looked as perfect as it could.

Spotting a small group of women standing near a corner, she smirked as she made her way towards them. She had been closest with them, but ever since her company's crisis got worse, they'd begun avoiding her because she apparently wasn't on the same level as them anymore. Tonight, she wanted to show them.

"Ladies," she greeted warmly, offering brief hugs to each of them. "I’m so glad you could make it."

One of the women, an older brunette in an emerald dress, gave Linda a polite smile, but there was something mocking in her tone. “The decorations are beautiful, Linda. But it does feel... different from what you used to do. Quite a change.”

Linda’s smile faltered slightly as she glanced around at the room. "Different? How do you mean?" she asked, her voice tight.

Before the woman could respond, another lady in the group, a blonde with sharp eyes, cut in. “Oh, don’t bother her, Ana. You know Linda’s had to make some... financial adjustments. She can’t be expected to make everything as extravagant as before.”

Her words were cloaked in sympathy, but the jab was clear. Linda’s teeth clenched behind her tight smile. “Thank you. I’ve worked hard to make sure everything looks perfect,” she replied through gritted teeth.

“Well, don’t worry,” the blonde added, patting Linda on the arm. “It looks wonderful.”

Knowing full well she was being mocked, Linda nodded stiffly. "Enjoy the party," she muttered before turning to leave.

As she walked away, she could hear the faint snickers from the group behind her, and one of the women whispered, "Remember the last party we went to? That was on a budget too, but even those decorations were better than this."

Linda’s nails dug into her palms as she moved through the crowd, forcing her smile to stay in place. She stopped by another couple, exchanging the usual pleasantries.

"Thank you for coming," Linda said to the couple, shaking hands.

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world,” the man said with a grin, his arm wrapped around his wife.

"I hope you enjoy the party," Linda added, ready to move on when the woman’s voice stopped her.

“Linda,” she began, a curious frown on her face. “Is it just me, or is the wine you’re serving a bit... cheaper than usual?”

Linda’s jaw tightened, but she forced another smile. "You must be mistaken. The wine is one of the best," she said sweetly, though she was seething inside.

The couple exchanged looks but didn’t press further. Linda excused herself quickly, moving on to greet another pair of guests, this time two women standing near the bar. She offered her usual pleasantries, but one of the women quickly cut to the chase.

“Tell me, Linda," she began, her voice filled with curiosity. "Is your ex-daughter-in-law, Thalassa Thompson, going to make an appearance tonight?”

Linda’s smile stiffened again, but she nodded. “Of course. She’s just running a bit late.”