Chapter 35

Kayla felt a surge of disgust twist in her chest.

How could Zoe lie so shamelessly?

Jeremy turned to Zoe, her cheeks burning with shyness. Questions crowded his mind. "Why did you disappear after that night?"

Zoe scrambled mentally for an excuse, then settled on a sweet, innocent look. "I was scared. I didn't know who you were then. I was afraid you'd blame me or that my parents would find out. I thought it would be safer to keep quiet."

"You don't need to be afraid." Jeremy's voice softened. "If you ever need anything, just tell me.I'll help however I can."

Zoe's eyes sparkled. She opened her mouth to speak, then hesitated.

Jeremy caught the flicker of doubt in her eyes. "If there's something on your mind, go ahead and say it."

Her heart pounded. Testing the waters, she asked, "What if I said I wanted to be your girlfriend? Would you say yes?"

The air went still.

Jeremy didn't respond.

Kayla, watching from nearby, instinctively stepped forward, ready to unmask Zoe's lies. But she stopped herself.

She clutched a pillar for support, her emotions in disarray.

She could see it clearly now-Zoe and her mother were trying to manipulate Jeremy. If she stayed silent,he'd continue to be misled.

But if she spoke up, how would she explain her own involvement?

Her heart twisted in conflict.

Zoe's cheerful voice broke through her thoughts."t's settled then-tomorrow afternoon at Lakeside Dream,you'll join my parents and me for lunch."

Jeremy nodded."Alright."

Just then,Edwin approached. "Mr. Graham, Mr. Newton is requesting your presence."

"Got it." Jeremy stood. Then, turning to Zoe, he added, "You should come too."

Zoe's eyes lit up. She practically beamed with excitement."Of course!"

The idea of accompanying Jeremy thrilled her. Maybe this meant she was special to him.

As Jeremy walked off, his gaze drifted to the shadows behind a nearby pillar.

A sliver of a woman's dress was just barely visible.

He lingered for a second,then turned and left.

Only after they were gone did Kayla step out of hiding.

She'd meant to leave earlier, but Archie's secretary came looking for her.′′Mr. Newton would like you at the front hall for the banquet's opening."

"I'll be right there," she replied.

On her way down the corridor, Kayla accidentally collided with a passing waiter. The tray in his hands clattered to the floor.

Kayla bent to help. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to."

The waiter kept his head down."|t′Ssfine," he muttered, before hurrying away without another glance.

Kayla watched him go, confused. The banquet was in full swing. Why the rush? Shaking off the thought, she continued on.

The front hall buzzed with music and laughter. Couples mingled under soft lights.

Jeremy stood with Zoe beside him, while Liam was accompanied by Tricia, who clung to his arm like ivy.Even the Campbell couple were in attendance.

Kayla,by contrast, was alone. She found a quiet spot along the edge of the room and watched the host speak from the stage.

Noticing her isolation, Archie approached. "You don't look like you're enjoying the evening. Everything alright?"

Kayla offered a faint smile. "I'm fine,"

He nodded subtly in Liam's direction. "I saw your husband's here too. Is he giving you trouble?"

Her smile faded. "No. When a marriage reaches this point, even making eye contact makes me sick. It's easier to keep our distance."

Archie chuckled, hands tucked in his pockets."Can't say I've ever been married, but | understand the feeling of wanting to escape. Still, that kind of freedom doesn't come overnight. You'll need patience."

His words were kind, and Kayla felt a flicker of gratitude.

She asked, "You've never been in a relationship, have you? You wouldn't know what it's like to be shattered by someone you once loved. That ache-it never really goes away."

"I've never dated, but I have loved someone." A shadow passed over Archie's face.

Kayla regretted her words instantly. "I'm sorry. That was too personal."

Archie gave a soft smile. "It's alright. We're adults-we know how these things go."

Just then, the host announced it was time for Archie's speech.

A spotlight cut through the room, landing on them. Kayla froze.She'd hoped to remain unnoticed, but now every eye was on her.

"Who's that stunning woman next to Mr. Newton?" someone whispered.

The murmurs spread quickly.

Across the room, Liam's expression twisted with rage. His fists clenched, eyes locked on Kayla

Tricia noticed. "Why's your wife with Mr.Newton? Do they know each other?"

Liam didn't answer, but his jaw tightened.

Jeremy glanced over at the sudden attention, then looked away, uninterested.

Suddenly, a shriek rose from the crowd.

"Oh my God! My earrings are gone! Has anyone seen them?"