Sometimes silence was the biggest compliment.
Nadine sensed the shift in the room and quickly figured out what Tess was up to. Her face darkened.
Still, under so many watchful eyes, she maintained her warm smile. “Tess, I didn’t expect you’d actually come to my celebration. I’m so touched.”
She stressed the words “my celebration,” trying to pull everyone’s attention back to herself.
But the goddess–like woman in front of her stole the spotlight, leaving most people still staring.
“Is she a fairy?”
“She spent a year in prison–shouldn’t Tess look worn–out by now? How is she still so gorgeous?”
The crowd was stunned.
Seeing all eyes on Tess, Nadine ground her teeth in frustration. All she could do was clench her fists.
“You should be touched–throwing a party at Evermount Villa is not that easy,” Tess said at last.
She smirked, arms folded, leisurely meeting Nadine’s eyes.
Nadine was confused for a moment; she didn’t get what Tess was saying.
Then, Tess leaned in and patted her on the shoulder. “I haven’t divorced Finn yet, so I still have a say in Evermount Villa.”
She met Nadine’s bewildered gaze, and her confidence instantly put Nadine in her place.
Standing side by side, the difference between them was obvious.
The ones who’d just been praising Nadine and Finn as a perfect match fell silent.
After all, the wife obviously had the upper hand.
Everyone’s eyes darted between the three of them, as if they had sensed something unusual.
The ballroom hung in silence.
“Everyone, I don’t mean to interrupt. Please continue to enjoy the music and dance.
Tess clapped her hands, and the music started up again.
The heavy and strained atmosphere slowly began to dissipate.
It was as if Tess were the real host here.
Nadine’s expression soured, but the lively atmosphere was better than the guests‘ constant, curious glances.
Since Tess showed up, Finn hadn’t said a word—just kept staring at her.
Nadine noticed his distraction and felt a tight, suffocating weight in her chest.
“Tess … You … ”
Nadine bit her lip, looking hurt and at a loss for words.

Even though Nadine was fuming about what had just happened, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of relief when she saw her leaving.
With lightning speed, Finn grabbed Tess’s right hand, and with a little force on her wrist, he pulled her body tightly into his arms.
Tess’s mind immediately replayed what happened two days ago, especially the countless provocative looks Nadine had thrown her way when Finn wasn’t watching.
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