A group of elegantly dressed socialites nearby burst into laughter, their voices carrying.
"Just look at what she's wearing. She looks like a beggar who wandered in off the street."
"Women like her never know when to quit. Mr. Robert treated her so well and yet she insisted on leaving him. Serves her right if she's struggling now."
Listening to the chatter swelling around us, Jonah's smug grin grew wider, his confidence swelling with each snide remark from the banquet guests. He swirled the wine in his glass, the liquid catching the chandelier's glow like molten rubies.
"Look," he began, his voice tinged with condescension. "If you want me to take you back, just say so. There's no need to chase me all the way here and cause a scene. Apologize and I might be generous enough to forgive you."
He stepped closer, reaching out as if to take my hand. His movements were deliberate, as though the simple act of touching me would cement his dominance.
I sidestepped smoothly, the fabric of my damp dress brushing against his outstretched hand as I moved away. Fixing him with a cold glare, I said sharply, "Mr. Robert, please have some respect. Your companion is standing right beside you, after all."
Jonah faltered for a fraction of a second, but his smirk quickly returned, his confidence unshaken.
"I'm not here to reminisce and certainly not for you," I continued. My voice was steady, each word cutting through the growing murmurs of the crowd. "I'm here on official business, invited personally by Mr. Stone. You should think carefully before speaking further."
For a brief moment, a flicker of doubt crossed Jonah's face. But before he could respond, Violet broke into a fit of shrill laughter, her voice ringing out like nails against glass.
"Mr. Stone invited you?" she sneered, clutching Jonah's arm as if drawing strength from his presence. "Oh, please! If you're going to lie, at least try to make it believable."
She tilted her head, her carefully styled hair catching the light as she regarded me with a look of mock pity. "Do you even know who's attending this banquet? These are all renowned entrepreneurs, people with real influence. So, tell us, which company are you the head of? Or"—she paused dramatically, her voice dripping with sarcasm—"have you latched onto some big shot over the past five years? Whose companion are you tonight?"
The crowd, emboldened by her audacity, joined in.