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Linda froze and pursed her lips.

She took a slow breath, regaining her composure. A forced smile appeared on her lips. “Is that so? I suppose it must be Leo’s doing,” she murmured, trying to sound indifferent.

But deep down, she couldn’t shake the bitterness.

Tonight was supposed to be her night. She had planned everything so carefully, ensured that her event would be the highlight.

Yet, in the end, the person she wanted to impress the most hadn’t even bothered to show up.

And worse–Colton, a man of importance, had chosen Nora’s side.

As she raised her glass to her lips, her mind was already working, calculating her next move.

This wasn’t over.

Linda’s expression stiffened, her fingers tightening subtly around the delicate stem of her wine glass.

She forced herself to exhale slowly, willing her frustration to dissipate. “It doesn’t matter,” she told herself. Even if Colton had chosen to show up at Nora’s event, it wouldn’t change the inevitable.

Nora lacked the charm and ability to hold his interest for long. She was simply an insignificant distraction.

Still… something gnawed at her.

Where was Arnold?

For a brief moment, she entertained the possibility that he, too, had gone to Nora’s side.

The idea made her stomach tighten, but she quickly dismissed it.

No, Arnold was practical, indifferent to sentiment. There was no reason for him to waste his time on Nora’s banquet.

And yet…

that evening, Nora found herself somewhat at ease. She still felt wary of Colton’s presence, but

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Chapter 83

steady voice cut through the noise.

being late.”

Nora’s breath hitched.

that

turned, her heart betraying

His tall, lean figure exuded quiet authority, as if he had

but when they settled on Nora, something unreadable

at the old lady’s birthday banquet took a sudden pause when the doors to the banquet hall swung open.

exchanged uncertain glances, and the old lady herself, seated at the

composed, almost deliberate pace, carrying a neatly wrapped gift box. His expression was respectful but

placing the gift on the table

everyone turned their eyes to the old lady, waiting

few moments, her fingers lightly grazing the edge of her

nodded once–acknowledging his words, but offering nothing more.

coolly, her voice devoid of

a few guests shifted

unspoken tension in the air was thick, like a weight pressing down

Arnold’s composure did not waver. If he was hurt by the old

turned toward the dinner table, where he took an empty seat

a wary glance but said nothing. Colton, however,

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Chapter 83

placement.

the meal continued, Arnold effortlessly steered the conversation toward design–a

caught Colton’s attention.

one of Silvermoon Pack’s strongest assets,” Arnold remarked,

more modern design elements into traditional gemstone cuts? There’s a rising

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