?Chapter 1244:


    For a brief moment, silence fell, before murmurs swelled once more.


    The stir caused by Ss had barely settled, and now Hurst appeared, openly moving toward her again. The implication was impossible to ignore. Camera shes fired in relentless bursts.


    Hurst signed the guestbook wall, cast a final nce over the scene, and then strode inside.


    Rosanna remained behind, absorbing the hushed conversations around her, when a sudden bump jolted her from her thoughts.


    She staggered back with a gasp, her clutch nearly slipping from her grasp.


    It all happened in a blur.


    Rosanna, who had arrived earlier, had basked in the media’s attention, while Hurst, newly arrived, moved with purpose, intent on escaping it.


    “My apologies,” Hurst said, his tone t and devoid of warmth. “I didn’t expect anyone to be in my way. If you’re injured, contact meter. I have somewhere to be.”


    Though polite on the surface, his words carried no trace of kindness.


    Rosanna stood frozen, the moment stretching ufortably long. Snapping out of her daze, she rubbed the sore spot on her arm.


    When she lifted her gaze again, Hurst was already gone. A hum of excitement rippled through the crowd.


    Rosanna drew a steadying breath andposed herself, her practiced smile returning. She couldn’t afford to lose herposure.


    Those who had witnessed the exchange began to whisper among themselves.


    “See? I told you Hurst has feelings for Maia.”


    “Rosanna staged that bump.”


    “Lower your voice. She’s Mrs. Nelson now.”


    “That doesn’t change anything. Everyone remembers her past.”


    “Wasn’t she caught in Axell’s bed at her birthday party?”


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    “Quiet. You’ll be in trouble if she hears you.”


    “You’re the one being loud. Be careful, or Mrs. Nelson will be furious.”


    Snide remarks drifted across the ballroom like poisoned darts, cloaked inughter and polite tones.


    Rosanna’s smile wavered, its brightness fading until only a chill remained in her gaze. Yet deep inside, she felt nothing but a cool, unshakable calm. She had long since learned not to be wounded by such petty chatter.


    Turning her head slowly, she cast a measured nce toward the whispering women. A faint, knowing smile curved her lips, sharp as a de hidden in velvet.


    “That is my talent,” she replied, her voice light yet cutting. “Perhaps you should mind your own affairs. Otherwise, you may wake up one day to find your contracts quietly slipping away.”


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