The price of betrayal (Jack and Ashley) novel Chapter 61

When Jeanne brought up Nicholas and the Thompson family, Nolan immediately realized that she and Megan must not have caught up with the news.

If they had, they would have known that Nicholas was currently hospitalized and on the verge of death. The Thompsons were no better off.

Audrey fixed Jeanne with an icy stare and knew she did not come with good intentions. Sighing, she pointed out, "On account of our previous friendship, I don't want to get into a fight with you and Megan.

"Nolan and I are here as guests. Now, if you have no other questions, kindly leave us alone."

Guests? Jeanne snorted. "Your family is on the verge of bankruptcy. I'm surprised you're invited to the gala at all, but I'll let it slide." She turned to Nolan. "And what about you? You probably came as a plus-one, huh? Bold of you to show your face around here.

"I'm not even going to bother with you two, but why don't you do us all a favor and leave before you embarrass Megan?"

Nolan wondered if Jeanne heard herself. He gave her a pointed look as he wrapped an arm around Audrey's shoulder and said, "Whatever Audrey and I do is none of Megan's concern, and it certainly is none of yours.

"I'm here because I was invited, of course, which is more than I can say for you. You came only because Megan needs her lapdog around to take orders, no?

"I saw her all dressed up and dazzling the crowd while you are no better than a walking backdrop for her. I doubt you're happy to live in your best friend's shadow like this."

Nolan was baiting a reaction out of Jeanne on purpose. His words struck deep and true, which irked Jeanne to no end.

However, she dared not retort for fear that Megan might overhear her from the nearby table. She was better off playing the part of the loyal sidekick.

"Spare me the provocation, you piece of shit. What would a former inmate like you know, anyway? Megan is a sensation in the business world.

Contempt and mockery filled Nolan's eyes as he said this. He looked like he just heard the world's biggest joke.

Jeanne scoffed at Nolan's sneer and demanded, "What, you don't believe me? You must have a couple of screws loose after spending three years in prison, Nolan. Megan's reputation as a business wunderkind is widely acknowledged in Bellington and the Eastern State. Feel free to look it up on the internet if you don't believe me.

"If you're still cynical, why don't you try establishing a billion-dollar enterprise in three years? In fact, I'd be impressed if you could make even ten million dollars in that time.

"It's one thing to be ignorant, but you'd have to be an idiot to mock Megan for her success when you're nothing but a loser!"

Audrey couldn't stand it anymore and came to Nolan's defense. "Who gave you the right to talk down to Nolan, Jeanne? Apologize to him right now!"

Just then, Megan came up to them and sneered, "Apologize? If anything, Nolan should be the one apologizing. You have no right speaking up for him, Audrey. Don't tell me you actually think of yourself as his wife!"