Noticing Adele’s discomfort, Jaden smiled condescendingly. “Adele, you’re not upset, are you?”
“Just facts, another added. “Don’t be so sensitive, Adele.”
What had begun as a class reunion had devolved into a trap for Adele.
Chapter 20
Adele wasn’t naive the true purpose of this “reunion” had become painfully obvious.
Just as she was about to leave, Scarlett breezed through the door, interrupting her exit
“Sorry I’m late, everyone,” Scarlett announced with a practiced smile. “Byron was so worried I’d catch cold, he insisted I wear an extra layer.
“He’s still so attentive to you! We were just discussing the situation between you, Byron, and Adele,” someone called out.
Scarlett’s gaze found Adele. “Oh, Adele! You came. I was afraid you might hatene and stay away.”
“Why would she do that?” Jaden asked.
“It’s all Byron’s fault,” Scarlett sighed “When I came back from abroad, he acted like nothing had changed. Adele got jealous and wanted a divorce. blaming me. Byron loves me, not her. You konw somethings are just nut of my hands,”
“Poor Adele, being married for years without ever earning Byron’s love,” someone murmured, loud enough for all to hear.
Whispers rippled through the room.
“If this was your purpose,” Adele said calmly, “then I can only say Byron is just my ex husband now–a familiar stranger, nothing more.”
“Adele, how can you say that?” Scarlett’s voice quavered. “I organized this gathering specifically to make peace with you-” She didn’t finish her sentence before dissolving into quiet sobs.
Adele couldn’t help but laugh at the absurd performance. The assembled classmates stared in bewilderment at the contrasting reactions–one crying, one laughing..
As expected, they rushed to comfort the sobbing Scarlett; completely ignoring Adele.
Without bothering to explain herself, she stood to leave.
“Adele,” Scarlett called out, following her to the exit while Adele waited for Ethan to arrive.
Leaning close to Adele’s ear, Scarlett whispered venomously, “I’ll destroy your reputation in our alumni circle.”
Then, seeing classmates approaching behind them, she suddenly flung herself down the steps, making it appear as though Adele had pushed her.
“Scarlett!” The group rushed forward, glaring accusingly at Adele. A chorus of condemnation rose from the crowd.
At that moment, Byron arrived to pick up Scarlett. Taking in the scene–Adele surrounded by angry former classmates, Scarlett being helped to her feet–he immediately demanded Adele apologize.
“Adele, why can’t you leave away from Scarlett? Apologize. Now!”
“Security cameras aren’t just decorative!” Adele replied sarcastically.
Her response stung Byron deeply, but he instinctively moved to shield Scarlett a muscle memory developed over years.
“Adele, you can’t take out your revenge on Scarlett just because I don’t love you,” he said.
“Who do you think you are?” Adele replied, finding his self–righteous posturing laughable. His idea of “doing the right thing” had always meant sacrificing her interests to protect Scarlett.
Just then, Ethan arrived to pick up Adele. Seeing her surrounded and cornered, he felt a surge of anger. With one swift movement, he pulled her
behind him protectively.
“It seems Sullivan Enterprises is leaving too much free time these days,” he said coldly.
“In the future, I don’t want to see any of these individuals at any Sullivan property or business,” he instructed.
His assistant, who had already retrieved the security footage, nodded and left to implement the order immediately.
