?Chapter 1149:


    Shelly’s eyes narrowed as Yvonne rose. Without a word, she slipped from her seat, trailing her rival like a shadow.


    In the restroom, Yvonne stood before a gilded mirror, dabbing at her lipstick with a steady hand.


    The door swung open, and Shelly’s reflection appeared, her face a storm of envy.


    “What did you do to him?” Shelly spat, her voice sharp as broken ss. “What trick did you pull to get Norton to drag you to a ce like this?”


    Yvonne paused, her lips curving into a wry smile. She capped her lipstick, turning to face Shelly with coolposure.


    “Miss Tucker, that is a curious question. If my husband does not bring me to such events, who else would he choose? You?”


    Her eyes swept over Shelly, lingering just long enough to sting. A soft, mockingugh escaped her.


    Shelly bristled, her face flushing as if pped. “Whatever game you are ying, it will notst. Norton belongs with me in the end.”


    Yvonne’s gaze turned to ice. “Save your speeches for him. He has taken me to countless gs, introduced me to his world as his wife. And you?” She stepped closer, her voice cutting. “What are you to him?”


    Gathering her purse, she delivered her final blow. “A sad little shadow, chasing what you will never have.” She turned, her heels clicking sharply as she strode out.


    Shelly stood frozen, her chest heaving, fury painting her face crimson.


    The revtion struck her like a de to the chest: Norton had paraded Yvonne at gs, proudly calling her his wife.


    The word wife echoed in her mind, sharp and cruel. She had been so close to iming Norton’s heart, teetering on the edge of victory. Now, Yvonne had stolen it all.


    “That woman ruins everything,” Shelly murmured with malice, her nails digging into her palms as she stood frozen before the mirror. Vengeance simmered in her veins, a promise to make Yvonne pay.


    With effort, she unclenched her fists and smoothed her expression. She glided back to her seat, the rustle of her silk dress blending with the hum of the crowd.


    The auctioneer’s voice cut through her thoughts, announcing the jade earrings Stewart had promised her. Their emerald gleam caught the light, and Stewart, ever eager to please, raised his paddle with a confident nod.


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    Shelly rewarded him with a sharine smile, her eyes softening in practiced gratitude.


    “Five million, going once. Five million, going twice…”


    The auctioneer’s gavel hovered, ready to seal the bid. Then Shelly’s gaze snagged on Yvonne across the room. Yvonne’s delicate hand gestured toward the earrings, her lips curving in a casual smile as she leaned toward Norton.


    Without hesitation, Norton’s paddle shot up, his bid dwarfing all others.


    The room buzzed, and Stewart’s hand fell limp.


    “Sorry, honey,” Stewart said, his palms upturned in mock defeat, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. “That’s Norton Burke. No way I can tangle with him.”


    Shelly’s smile remained fixed, gracious as ever. “I understand,” she replied, her voice honeyed. But as she tilted her head downward, venom coursed through her thoughts. He imed he could not challenge Norton, yet he was still cozying up to her—Norton’s future wife.


    Disgust curled in her chest, but she swallowed it, her eyes flicking to Yvonne’s back. Must that woman snatch everything she desired?


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