chapter322

Lauren was well aware of the volatile nature of the situation and offered to accompany me, but I firmly declined. I didn’t want her getting dragged into this mess. While I suspected she had her own ulterior motives for wanting to be there, I told her to let it go. There was no need for her to be collateral damage in the Murphys' latest drama.

Lauren finally relented, so I brought Carol instead. Having worked at Tanum Corporation for years, Carol had a backbone of steel and a sharp eye for corporate politics. I had my reasons for choosing her, and she was more than capable of holding her own without an explanation.

The celebration for the new baby was held at La Dolce Vita. The venue was already packed when we arrived. Matthew stood prominently at the entrance, wearing a practiced, welcoming smile as he greeted guests from all directions.

When Johnson pulled my car up to the curb, Matthew rushed down the steps to open the door himself. His expression soured slightly as he peered into the backseat. “Chloe... where’s my daughter? Why isn't Ava with you?”

“Everyone here already knows you have a son now, Matthew,” I said calmly, stepping out of the car. “And they know you have a daughter, too. One child is enough of a spectacle for today.”

He forced a tight, artificial smile. “Well... you’d better come in, then.”

Carol stepped up beside me and wordlessly handed two thick red envelopes filled with cash to Matthew. I leaned in and whispered to her, “When did you have time to prepare those?”

“Well, I couldn't exactly show up empty-handed, could I?” Carol replied with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

“You’re far too generous,” I teased. “But you’ve just wasted your money on him.”

Carol simply offered a devilish grin and didn't say another word.

As we entered the grand hall, the atmosphere shifted. Dozens of eyes turned toward us, ripples of whispered shock spreading through the room. Many looked at me as if my presence were a calculated insult to the host. Thankfully, Myra spotted us and waved us over to her table, saving us from a truly awkward standing silence.

She took my hand, whispering urgently, “Chloe, I honestly didn't think you’d show up. You’ve got serious guts!”

I offered a small, composed smile. “Consider it a token gesture of goodwill.”

Once we were seated, I spotted Melanie a few tables away. She had filled out slightly after giving birth, and it was clear she had spared no expense on her appearance. She exuded a newfound, radiant maternal charm that felt entirely performative.

Grace, standing beside her with the infant, looked like the polar opposite. She was haggard and worn out, looking more like an overworked nanny than a proud grandmother. Despite her exhaustion, she kept a weary smile on her face as she presented the baby to the cooing guests.

Myra leaned over again, her voice barely audible. “Poor Grace. Caring for Melanie this past month has been an absolute nightmare. Melanie has practically tortured the poor woman, and Grace is up all night every night looking after the child while Melanie sleeps.”

I remained silent, simply nodding. This wasn't the time or place for me to voice my thoughts.

However, silence wasn't going to protect me for long. I quickly realized that several people were looking to score points at my expense, and I finally understood Matthew’s true intention in inviting me: I was the "villain" in his new narrative of domestic bliss.

“Well, well! Chloe! I certainly didn't expect to see you here!”

I turned to find Stella approaching, looking strikingly beautiful. Even though I had mentally braced myself for her presence, seeing Liora trailing behind her sent a jolt of genuine surprise through me.

Watching the two of them flank me, I knew today’s "performance" was going to be a minefield. I noticed the surrounding tables falling silent, the guests turning into eager spectators. Some were clearly reveling in the impending drama; others looked genuinely nervous for me.

There was a toxic mix of intentions in the air, but I didn't care. If they were prepared to play a game, I was ready to follow suit. Over the past year, Matthew’s betrayals had toughened me to the point where my skin could practically deflect bullets.

I looked up at them and smiled sweetly. “Yes! It is a joyous celebration, isn't it?”

“Chloe, you’re always so gracious. That must be why Liora says she has so much to learn from you!” Stella said, her voice sugary and false as she tried to "smooth" the tension.

“Oh, Chloe is extraordinary,” Liora chimed in, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “She’s not just anyone. No matter what people whisper, she’ll always be a part of the Murphy family... well, she used to be, anyway!”

Their teamwork was seamless, like a well-rehearsed comedy duo.

Suddenly, more heads turned toward our corner. The sight of Matthew’s ex-wife being cornered by his current social circle was too much for the guests to ignore. And then, looking radiant and utterly triumphant, Melanie sauntered toward us.

We were officially the center of the room.