Chapter 95
Everyone in the room–including myself–was left speechless. There was a sudden silence that seemed to last for a long time.
I could see Jameson’s expression getting uglier, and Xandra looked equally upset.
I gently tugged on Tristan’s sleeve. He smiled at me in return. “Now that everything has been said, let’s take our seats.”
He led me to our places at the table.
Jameson and Xandra stood frozen in place for a long while.
Coming to the dinner party had embarrassed Jameson, and he was contemplating whether he should leave. But all the prominent business figures in the city were present. If he walked out now, it would certainly change how everyone viewed him.
In the end, Jameson brought Xandra to their seats with a grim expression.
I noticed that Xandra’s gaze on me was complicated–jealousy, resentment, and hatred all mixed together. I lowered my eyes and avoided looking at the two of them.
I didn’t understand why Tristan had brought me to the dinner or why we had to confront Jameson like that. All I knew was that the public confrontation had ended poorly for Jameson.
As the dishes were served and the staff began to introduce the courses, the atmosphere gradually became more lively.
Everyone at the table was seasoned in the ways of business. Even after the earlier awkwardness, they managed to turn the conversation light–hearted. They were laughing and talking about every topic that came up naturally from current events to local anecdotes.
I focused silently on my food and listened to the discussions around me.
Suddenly, Xandra stood up and gracefully spoke. “Dear gentlemen, it’s a pleasure to meet you all. I’d like to make a toast.”
Once again, the atmosphere grew tense. Xandra’s face turned awkward as her hand holding the drink trembled slightly.
Jameson couldn’t help but remind her, “You should toast them one by one out of respect.”
Xandra hurriedly rose from her seat to clink glasses with each person individually at their
seats.
I stole a glance at Mr. Bloom seated beside me and caught a flash of disdain in his eyes.
Lowering my gaze, I continued to eat quietly and tried to diminish my presence.
Chapter 95
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Eventually, Xandra reached my seat. By that point, her face had flushed with a rosy hue, showing that she had too much to drink.
She raised her glass and smiled at me. “Ms. Lambert, I really envy you.”
I glanced at her but didn’t respond.
Seeing my lack of response, Xandra immediately showed a pitiful look. “Ms. Lambert, I know there have been many misunderstandings between us. But haven’t you already gotten what you wanted today? Isn’t it time to let bygones be bygones? Don’t you have the capacity to forgive?”
I had been calmly eating and wanted to get through this dinner quickly, but Xandra once again pushed me into the spotlight.
I suppressed my anger and replied coolly, “Ms. Clark, you’ve got it wrong. It’s not that I lack the capacity for forgiveness. It’s just that no woman could possibly endure such a thing for seven long years and come out unscathed.”
Xandra covered her mouth and tears formed in her eyes.
She lowered her head pitifully. “Ms. Lambert, you really misunderstood me…”
I had grown tired of her charade and responded coldly, “Let’s just call it a misunderstanding, then. I wish you all the best in getting whatever it is that you wish for. As for this toast, I won’t be accepting it.”
As I finished speaking, I felt a searing gaze fixed on me.
I looked up to find Jameson staring at me intensely, as if trying to see through me.
I pursed my lips and sneered.