Chapter 63

Emma was overwhelmed by pain.

Pushing herself off the floor with a pained expression, she leaned toward Nolan and whispered in a sweet tone, "Nolan, I'm really hurting. Won't you rub it for me?"

Lillian broke into uncontrollable laughter.

Really? That tired trick?

Did Emma honestly think Nolan was some clueless schoolboy who would fall for it?

Nolan's reaction was immediate-his look of disgust deepened, leaving no doubt about what he thought.

Heat rushned to Emma's cheeks, the sting of humiliation twisting quickly into rage.

She slammed her heel against the floor and snapped through clenched teeth, "Eleanor, don't act so pleased with yourself! Lainey's the one in the spotlight today!"

That reminder seemed to revive her boldness.

"Humph! Besty Juarez from the Enigma Group is coming too. Lainey's gown was custom-made by her.I doubt a country bumpkin like you has even heard of Enigma!"

What did it matter if Eleanor had managed to stick close to Lillian and Nolan?

In the end, she was still Jonny's castoff, a woman thrown aside without hesitation.

She didn't belong here. She didn't deserve Nolan's attention.

To Emma,Eleanor would always be nothing more than a country bumpkin pretending to fit in.

Emma's nails dug into her palm as fury twisted inside her. She would rip off that mask and show everyone exactly what kind of bitch Eleanor really was. "I see." Eleanor's reply came smooth and deliberate, her lips curving into the faintest smirk. "And what exactly does that prove?"

Emma's chest tightened with fury, the casual dismissal nearly knocking the breath from her.

How dared this bitch act so unbothered?

Did she truly not take Besty seriously?

She really was nothing more than an ignorant country girl pretending to belong.

Before Emma could snapback, a voice rang out from the crowd, sharp with exctement. "Besty's here!"

The spectators shifted instantly, clearing a neat path through the gathering.

A poised woman in a tailored suit strode forward, her presence commanding attention. Several assistants trailed close behind, underscoring her authority.

It was Besty-head of Enigma's Elepdon branch.

Emma's eyes brightened as if salvation had arrived. Straightening her posture, she hurried forward and put on her most flattering smile. "Besty, thank God you're finally here! You won't believe the arrogance I've just witnessed. Someone thinks Ms. Brooks' support gives her the right to dismiss you-and Enigma itself!"

Emma threw her hand out, pointing squarely in Eleanor's direction.

"She even pushed Ms. Brooks to mock Enigma's entire design philosophy! She said Lainey's dress carries a terrible meaning. People like her don't belong here. You can't just ignore this. Honestly, I think Enigma should blacklist her completely-make sure she never buys another piece from you again!"

Her voice rose higher with every word, her outrage feeding on itself.

Besty's expression tightened as she listened, her eyes narrowing while she turned to follow where Emma was pointing.

The sight nearly made her knees give out.

That wasn't just some guest-it was Enigma. The founder. The hidden force behind Enigma Group itself. The others might stil be blind to Eleanor's true Identity, but Besty cotad never mistake hee.

Years ago, when she was nothing more than a salesghl iy ono of Enigma's bortiquies, that very woman hed pluckod her from obscurlty and set her on the path that fed to her cirtont post.

Forgest ignoring her. Even i Eleanor ohose to grind her under her heet, Besty wouldn'e dare so much ad breathe a complalrt.

A cold sweat broke aoross Besty's forehead.

She stepped forward, ready to greet Eleanor, when a floeting look from her stopped her cold. That subtle,knowing glance carried a clear message-Eleanor had no intention of revealing who she really was.

ft her perfectly; the woman had aways moved in shadows, never craving the spotllght.

If she wlshed to remain unseen, then she would play along.

Masking her shock, Beaty smoothed her expression and swiveled back toward Emma. "Miss Todd,you can't be serious. Perhaps you've had a little too much to drink, because what you're saying is nothing but foolishness."

Emma was certain she had just outmaneuvered Eleánor.

She had no idea that her own words were about to come back and destroy her in front of everyone.