Chapter 461 The Red Ring
Just then, a figure emerged from the crowd.
Eliza’s eyes narrowed the moment she saw who it was.
Because the ring that was rightfully hers—was now on Elaine’s finger.
Elaine wore a long red gown tonight, exuding elegance and poise with every step. The crimson ring on her finger gleamed under the lights, as though declaring that she was the true lead of tonight’s show.
Her gaze drifted toward Nolan with thinly veiled provocation.
Rather than approaching Nolan immediately, Elaine strolled leisurely through the crowd.
As the eldest daughter of the Lynn family–and now newly engaged to Tyson after breaking off her engagement with Nolan–Elaine had become a hot topic in social circles. The moment she appeared, a cluster of society ladies swarmed around her.
“Ms. Lynn, you look stunning tonight. What skincare brand are you using lately?”
“Where’s Mr. Hayes? I mean Tyson Hayes, of course. I heard he’s busy, but surely he wouldn’t miss a banquet this important?”
“That’s right, we’ve all been curious to meet Mr. Hayes. Thought maybe you could introduce us tonight.”
Each question deliberately circled around Tyson.
Elaine knew exactly what these women were doing–trying to pry into her relationship with Tyson under the guise of small talk.
Still, she kept her composure and smiled politely. “Tyson’s always busy with work. I believe he’s still in a meeting at the office right now, so I’m attending the Foster family’s banquet on his behalf.”
“I just saw Mr. Hayes over there–oh, I meant Nolan Hayes–with that Sue family girl. Why haven’t you. gone over to say hello?”
Everyone remembered how Elaine had lost control over Nolan not long ago. They were clearly fishing for gossip, hoping to see how she’d react to Nolan and Eliza standing side by side.
To their surprise, Elaine walked straight toward them with poise.
Nolan instinctively wanted to steer Eliza away, but she stood firm. She wanted to get a clear look at the ring on Elaine’s hand–just to be sure.
Sure enough, when Elaine came closer, Eliza saw it clearly.
The ring on Elaine’s finger was the very one Nolan had given her.
Henry had deliberately placed it on Elaine. There was no question about that.
Eliza could only try to find a way to get it back.
“Nolan, long time no see,” Elaine said smoothly, reaching out her hand.
Chapter 461 The Red Ring
But Nolan didn’t take it.
Elaine smiled and turned toward Eliza, “It’s just an old friend saying hello, Ms. Eliza, surely you winlant forbid even the most basic manners?”
Her smile sharpened. “I didn’t realize you were such a possessive type.”
Elaine was clearly not the same woman they’d seen last time.
Every word she spoke was laced with venom.
Eliza replied, “It’s just a handshake. Why would I stop him? Maybe he simply doesn’t want to shake your hand.”
She looked at Nolan as she spoke.
A faint smile spread across his face–an unspoken confirmation that Eliza had read him exactly right
Elaine stood to the side, left in the role of the outsider.
But she didn’t shrink back. Instead, she raised her hand slightly, admiring the ring on her finger.
It was Eliza’s ring–but Elaine wore it like it belonged to her.
Seeing her expression, Eliza immediately understood–Elaine was doing this on purpose.
This was Henry’s move. He’d planted the ring on Elaine to provoke them both, while also winning Elaine
over.
“Lovely ring,” Eliza said evenly. “May I ask where you got it, Ms. Lynn?”
Elaine clearly knew what Eliza was really asking, but still replied with a practiced smile. “It was given to me by the event host. I’m just here to help model some of the pieces. You seem very interested in it though. aren’t you?”
Eliza didn’t deny it. Her gaze stayed fixed on the ring. “I do like it. Would you mind taking it off so I can get a closer look?”
“I’m afraid I can’t do that,” Elaine replied. “The organizers told us we’re not allowed to remove any of the jewelry we’re modeling. So I can’t say yes to that. But Nolan loves you so much–if you really want the ring, I’m sure he can find another way to get it. Question is, would you be willing to go that far?”
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