Chapter 160 Collision at the Gate
Chapter 160 Collision at the Gate
Nadine was Finn’s precious–his openly acknowledged favorite. Who would dare disrespect
her?
To the crowd watching, this in, unremarkable woman’s nerve was downright shocking.
Sydney froze for a beat before snapping, “You bitch! How dare you talk to me like that!”
She lunged, reaching to grab Tess.
“What’s going on here?”
Themotion at the entrance was throwing off the whole check–in process, and impatient murmurs began to ripple down the line. The noise drew the attention of Nadine, who had arrived fashionablyte.
She stood out immediately–dressed not in the sweeping gowns most women wore tonight, but in a chic, tailored tweed suit, looking crisp andposed.
At the sound of her footsteps behind her, Tess’s jaw tightened.
Felix, already sweating bullets, quickly lowered his phone from his leg and fired off a text <i>for </i>help to Zane.
“Tess?”
Nadine recognized Tess.
Nadine’s voice rang out, drawing startled nces from everyone nearby.
Wasn’t <i>Nadine’s </i><i>sister </i><i>Tess</i>? And wasn’t <i>Tess </i><i>still </i><i>Finn’s </i>legal spouse<i>? </i>Wait–had they even divorced?
The crowd’s expressions shifted–curiosity, shock, and calction flickering in their eyes. They gave the two women a once–over.
The legal wife and the CEO’s new me, in the same ce… Who wouldn’t be interested?
Nadine gave Tess a slow once–over, feigning surprise. “Tess, why are you dressed like this? Didn’t Finn tell you? Tonight’s his celebration banquet for me.”
A banquet thrown for Nadine, without even notifying Tess, who lived in the vi.
<b>19:17 </b>
Chapter 160 Collision at the Gate <ul><li>S Free Cond </li></ul>
That little revtion spread like wildfire through the onlookers, and they exchanged nces, sensing the scent of a scandal.
“Whether he told me or not–does it matter?”
Tess turned fully to face her, cold eyes locking on Nadine’s.
Thest trace of politeness was gone from her face. Beyond the unopened gate was a crowd just waiting to see her humiliated.
For a moment, everyone was stunned.
Nadine’s expression shifted before she smoothed it back into that warm, gracious smile. She stepped forward, reaching as if to take Tess’s hand. “Tess, you’ve misunderstood-
But Tess pulled her hand back before she could touch her, leaving Nadine’s fingers hanging awkwardly in the air.
Nadine drew back with a tight smile, the air between them growing heavy and tense.
“Open the gate,” Tess said tly. “Or I can’t promise your celebration will go smoothly.”
Tess spoke emotionlessly, her indifferent gaze sweeping over everyone present.
Nadine’s smile froze. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Tess didn’t answer. She just swept an icy gaze over the entire gathering.
A chill prickled up Nadine’s spine. She knew Tess wasn’t bluffing.
“Mrs. Lock!”
Zane’s voice cut through the tension as he hurried out from inside the vi.
To Nadine, the sound was as wee as a lifeline.
“What the hell are you doing, blocking Mrs. Lock?” Zane barked at Felix.
Felix mped his mouth shut, swallowing whatever excuse he’d been about to give.
Zane had been at Finn’s side for years–sharp enough to read a room at a nce. One look at the scene <i>told </i>him exactly what might happen if this dragged on.
Seeing the crowd craning to watch, he stepped forward, smiling at Tess. “Mrs. Lock, it’s crowded out here. Let’s head in.”
Chapter 160 Collision at the Gate
The gates swung open at his remote.
Tess had no interest in further squabbling. She straightened her back and strode inside without looking back.
+5 Free Crims
As she and Zane disappeared through the gates, the entrance returned to its orderly rhythm
But an odd undercurrent lingered in the air.
Several guests stole nces toward Nadine.
After all, Finn’s wife had just been escorted in personally by the CEO’s own assistant….
And Nadine–the so–called favorite? She was still outside, standing in line.
“Nadine, didn’t Finn say you could go straight in? Why are you waiting here?” someone asked aloud.
Nadine’s smile wavered, cursing whoever had the gall <i>to </i>bring that up.
Thankfully, Sydney jumped in, shing her a ttering smile–a clear signal for Nadine to y along.
The next moment, Nadine’s lips curved into a gracious smile. “No rush. I’m with Sydney, so of course I wouldn’t pull strings just to skip the queue.”
Sydney leaned in with a girlishugh, looping her arm through Nadine’s.
The little disy smoothed over most of the awkward stares, and thepliments began to flow<i>. </i>
People began to praise. “Ms. Nadine is so gracious.”
“No wonder she’s won Mr. Lock’s heart.”
“But Mrs. Lock was escorted in by his personal assistant. Howe Nadine didn’t get the same treatment? That’s odd…”
Nadine and Sydney exchanged a nce, both grinding their teeth while keeping their smiles
intact.
Sydney lowered her voice. “Let her have her little moment. Once you change into that gown and walk in, she’ll <i>be </i>nothing but the country bumpkin standing in your shadow.”
The thought soothed Nadine–just enough.
Sara Lili
<strong>Sara Lili</strong> is a daring romance writer who turns icyndscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of d’s breathtaking cold.