Chapter 512

Alivia’s lips curved Into a sly smile as she reveled in the admiration that flowed her way. Every woman had her vanity, and Jaired’s words had restored the dignity she felt she had lost that evening.

Among those seated, several harbored resentment towards Alivia for her typically haughty demeanor.

Now, witnessing Jaired’s doting, almost groveling behavior, their grudges seemed to deflate like a balloon. No one dared to cross the mighty Riddle family.

Alivia sat tall and poised, remaining at the epicenter of the circle of society ladies, basking in their envious stares.

They all looked down on Brielle, thinking she was nothing more than a gold digger who had latched onto a catch. Yet, they all envied her, for she seemed to have it all. With this thought, Alivia’s spirits lifted.

Tonight was Jaired’s welcome–back party, but it was also a casual get–together among friends, free from the usual pretense. The women chatted about wine, art, music, and travel.

As the conversation grew animated and the mood was light, Brielle approached the group. The society ladies, who already held her in contempt, couldn’t help but sneer. Did this woman really think they had accepted her?

Brielle had come near, searching for a seat, when Alivia stood up and took her hand with feigned closeness. “Brielle, you might not know everyone here. Let me introduce you. This is the darling of Summit Enterprises, and this lady is the director of CoreTech Innovations. Next to her is the heiress of Prestige Hardware,” said Alivia warmly, making the introductions before turning to the others. “This is Max’s girlfriend, Brielle. It’s her first time here, so she might be a bit shy, but you’ll all get to know her soon enough.”

Alivia’s face wore a smile, and beneath it, her mask of gentleness was firmly in place.

The introduced ladies remained silent, their aloofness thickening the awkward air with a hint of tension.

They refrained from causing trouble for Brielle out of respect for Max, but with him not. by her side, there was no need to feign politeness.

Noticing the lack of response, Alivia’s smile sharpened. She had made it a point to highlight the prestigious positions of the women present while reducing Brielle to simply ‘Max’s girlfriend.”

Brielle lacked a notable family background, was recently fired from Dorsey International, and didn’t even have the title of director to her name anymore. Now, her identity was nothing more than Max’s girlfriend–a mere extension of a man.

Triumph sparkled in Alivia’s eyes as she expected Brielle to feel humiliated, maybe even mortified, but Brielle scanned the seated women with a confident gaze, nodding slightly as if surveying her domain, before taking a seat.

Alivia’s face darkened at her poise. Some of the other ladies were irked, too. Why should Brielle look at them that way, as if she were their equal?

13:02 döcomo Chapter $12 One of them smirked and spoke up in Italian. “Alivia, why bother with her? Her presence is an insult to our status.”

These women had been groomed in the finest institutions; speaking multiple languages was second nature to them. The others were emboldened, knowing Brielle wouldn’t understand, and that even if she complained to Max, she’d have nothing to say.

They joined in, still in Italian.

“She’s nothing but a man–eater. She’ll be dumped sooner or later. I heard she was once a top student–

so what? All her efforts can’t compare to us.”

“I can’t fathom why she sticks around Max. He’s been elite since day one.”

Alivia looked down, her lips curling into a smile, yet her face feigned sympathy for Brielle. “Brielle, you probably don’t understand, right? No worries, they’re just welcoming you in Italian.”

The mocking ladies laughed, feeling superior as they watched Brielle.

Brielle brushed Alivia’s hand aside and chose a seat at the head of the table, responding in flawless Italian, “Thank you all for the warm welcome, but since we’re in Beaconsfield, let’s not flaunt our poor language skills, shall we?”

The faces of the mocking ladies stiffened, and Alivia’s expression flickered.

Brielle leaned back, looking up at Alivia. “Is such a welcome customary in Italy?”