Ruby embodied the essence of a proper heiress. She was raised in a prestigious family with a rich literary heritage.


    Despite years immersed in foreign culture, her every gesture and movement carried a natural, understated elegance.


    Her graceful,posed demeanor shone effortlessly. Even a simple lift of her gaze seemed tomunicate volumes.


    L looked up at Ruby, sensing that her aura reminded her of Nicole''s. Both women were the epitome of distinguished upbringing.


    Even as L acknowledged her growing feelings for Kieran, she couldn''t ignore that Ruby was the person in his heart.


    Yet, strangely, L couldn''t muster any animosity toward her.


    She smiled politely at Ruby, replying, "Are the snowy mountains really that beautiful? If I ever get the chance, I''d love to see them."


    Terry, watching the exchange, couldn''t help but feel a little frustrated.


    How could L be soposed in the face of her rival? But with everyone present, he refrained from speaking out.


    Kieran''s soft voice, almost as gentle as moonlight, broke the silence. "After we visit the inds, we could take a trip there."


    L noticed a subtle flicker of surprise in Ruby''s gaze. It seemed she hadn''t been informed about their nned honeymoon.


    L couldn''t help but wonder about Ruby''s feelings toward Kieran. If they were truly in love, why hadn''t they ended up together?


    Did Kieran''s affection for her remain one-sided?


    That didn''t quite seem to be the case.


    Though Ruby maintained perfect decorum, there was an almost imperceptible sense of closeness in her demeanor toward Kieran.


    Something about the situation didn''t add up, but L couldn''t quite figure out what.


    The group had only just started discussing travel ns when Nicole arrived with Noah in tow.


    Their presence at the banquet, especially Nicole and Kieran, was a sign of respect toward the Clemence family.


    The group moved to greet them, and Ruby addressed Nicole with the usual politeness, "Mrs. Morgan, it''s been a while."


    She then turned to Noah. "I thought you weren''ting."


    Noah''s voice wasced with a yful tone. "How could I miss such an important event? Especially with Uncle Kieran here-it wouldn''t make sense for me to stay away."


    L found the tone of his words a little odd. That nagging sense of something being off intensified.


    Nicole lightly pped her troublesome son on the back of his head. "Speak properly."


    Rubyughed lightly at the exchange.


    Nicole was quickly swept away by her peers, leaving the younger generation to themselves once again.


    Many people came over to chat with


    Kieran, toast him, and engage in polite conversation. As his


    Morgan, L found herself a part of


    those same conversations


    Meanwhile, Ruby, as the star of the banquet, was constantly surrounded by well-


    wishers offering their congrattions.


    Terry was the first to slip away, and Jamie stayed just a little longer before retreating to a quieter corner.


    The next time Vince invited her to


    one of these banquets, she resolved not toe. Spending that time with Teddy and enjoying his cooking would be far more meaningful.


    L found herself growing increasingly bored.


    When the crowd thinned out, Ruby nced at her with a soft smile. "Tired? Most of these banquets are tedious. That''s the nature of high society It only holds entertainm value for those with grand ambitions."


    L nodded thoughtfully and looked at Ruby. "Do you find it entertaining, then?"


    Ruby smiled again. "Yes, but not because I gain anything from it. It''s simply because I get to see someone I wanted to see."


    That response caught L off guard. She hadn''t expected such a candid reply.


    Someone she wanted to see?


    This banquet was far grander than L had anticipated—a clear disy of the Clemence family''s influence in Northridge.


    As the evening wore on, noticing L''sck of energy, Kieran suggested that they leave early.


    Ruby escorted them all the way to the door.


    Even as their car drove away, L nced back through the rearview mirror. She


    saw Ruby standing by the entrance, watching them leave.


    Noah yawned and nced over at Ruby. "I''ll head back, too."


    "You''re not staying a little longer?"


    He shook his head. "There''s apetition abroad in a few days'' time. I need to


    rest and prepare."