chapter196

Liora glanced at me, a practiced, porcelain smile fixed on her face. “It’s a pleasure! I finally have the honor of meeting the famous Ms. Chloe. I’ve heard you are the very definition of virtue and an exemplary model for us all. I’m sure I have quite a lot to learn from you.”

While her tone was technically polite, there was an underlying jaggedness to her words. I felt a flicker of confusion, quickly followed by the cold realization that she was far from friendly.

“You’re far too kind, Mrs. Liora,” I replied, choosing my words with caution. “I look forward to your support in the future.” Since this was her family’s event, I had no intention of causing a scene. In this room, keeping a low profile was the only survival strategy.

Liora let out a short, sharp sneer. “Ms. Chloe, you’re being much too modest. Who am I to ‘support’ you? You are a role model for all of us. Please, make yourself at ease here. Our guests are all upright and respectable people. You won’t have to worry about anyone... harassing you tonight.”

With that parting shot, she turned and swept away with an arrogant toss of her head.

I felt the heat rise in my cheeks as I noticed the surrounding guests shifting their gaze toward me. It was painfully apparent that Liora was referencing the incident from the other night. Several of her friends shot me sidelong, judging looks before following in her wake.

Suddenly, Lauren appeared at my side, her voice low. “Atticus has been looking for a reason to move against them for a long time; he just lacked a solid pretext. Your ‘incident’ provided him with the perfect opening.”

“I can’t believe this,” I muttered, shaking my head in disbelief. “Is that really how this works?”

Lauren raised a well-groomed eyebrow. “Atticus is no ordinary businessman, Chloe. He is a man who can endure a slight for years while maintaining perfect composure. But the moment he sees a crack in the armor, he strikes and turns the entire situation to his advantage. As for you—be very cautious when dealing with the Coles.”

She tapped a finger near her eye, a silent warning that there was far more to the Cole family than their polished public image.

I nodded slowly, the pieces of the puzzle falling into place. “So, I’ve become a pawn in Atticus’s game without even realizing it. He’s brilliant, certainly, but none of this was done for my sake.”

I let out a mirthless chuckle. “If that’s the case, the man is more cunning than I thought. In one move, he pleased Mr. Maddox, ‘solved’ my problem, fulfilled his own agenda, and gained the respect of the crowd for his decisive action. One move, four objectives. Incredible.”

“You’re sharp,” Lauren noted, her expression turning somber. “Just be careful with Liora moving forward. That woman doesn't just hold grudges; she nurtures them.”

“I never expected my actions to offend such a scheming woman,” I sighed. “Is anyone reasonable these days? They were the ones who tried to molest me, yet somehow I’ve become the target of their resentment.”

I couldn't help but glance across the room at Liora. She was currently deep in conversation with Stella, the two of them smiling and laughing like long-lost sisters. I didn't know why, but seeing them together gave me a sudden, inexplicable sense of dread.