Chapter <b>105 </b>
Riverdale’s guest list was packed–everyone who was anyone had gotten an invite. Most people shrugged it off as just another private jewelry show.
“If you don’t want to go, then don’t,” Tina called out from the living room as Ruby came down the
stairs.
Ruby straightened the silk scarf around her neck. “Did you forget? We’re the event nners. We can’t exactly skip out.”
Tina frowned at that, but her tone stayed light. “Mom, we don’t have to act like we’re under siege. Patricia’s back, fine, but it’s not like she can do anything to us.” <fnc7d3> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? fι?dnοvel</fnc7d3>
Kill them? Hardly. But having a wolf living next door was enough to make anyone sleep with <i>one </i>eye
open.
Ruby took a sip of water, ncing at the housekeeper nearby. She waited until the woman quietly slipped away before lowering her voice. “Honestly, we’re not the only ones who want Patricia out of the picture. All we have to do is watch–and wait.” <!--
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“You mean the Newton family?” Tina arched a brow.
The Newtons had taken a beating from Patricia. If anyone wanted her gone more than they did, it was definitely them.
“For now, don’t get involved,” Ruby said, her voice steady. “When the Newtonse knocking, we’ll be ready.” She made sure Tina understood, hinting she should let Emerson in on the n too. If everything went right, Patricia could be her way into bing Mrs. Newton.
But it would take patience, not recklessness.
“That’s my daughter,” Tina said, a sly smile tugging at her lips. Using someone else’s hand to deal the blow–perfect.
At seven sharp, Ruby arrived at the exhibition hall. Her team was already busy, managing the flow of guests.
She scanned the crowd and realized every Riverdale VIP was here. The women wore dramatic makeup and elegant dresses; the men were all crisp suits and confidence. Ruby, in her sleek ck skirt suit, looked every bit the pro, butpared to everyone else, she felt more like staff than a
guest.
“Ruby, this whole exhibition was your idea? You’re incredible!” Wendy caught sight of her and rushed over, linking arms and giving her a yful shake.
“You have no idea–everyone’s singing your praises. They’re saying your taste is next level. No one else in Riverdale could’ve put together a venue like this.”
Ruby grinned and gave Wendy’s arm a gentle squeeze. “You’re just saying that. Go on in, I need to wrap up a few things.”
“Don’t work too hard, boss!”
<b>11:20 </b>
Chapter <b>105 </b>
By seven–thirty, more guests were streaming in
Theo handed his invitation to the staff at the door just as Roby was giving adminde avstane
nearby. She looked sharp and confident, every move collected and procee
Theo watched her for a moment, feeling a strange mix of nostalgia and regret the dirt he
chase around the backyard had grown into a powerhouse
<i>How </i>things had changed. If Patricia hadn’t barged into their lives, maybe he and Puby would de married by now.
“You made it?” Ruby caught his eye, ncing up to see him across the lobby
The room was full of people watching, waiting for drama. The Newton’s wanted nothing to do with the Martins, so Ruby kept her distance. Some lines couldn’t be crossed, not here,
“Yeah,” Theo nodded quietly. “I’ll head in.”
Ruby gave him a short nod–no lingering looks, no reason to fuel the gossip mill
Inside, Nina sidled up to Theo with a bright, sugary smile. All around them, people watched, Saraw hiding their amusement.
A messy love square had turned into a triangle, and at this point, no one could guess whold win
The jewelry show was dazzling, but the mysterious host never showed. People kept cornering Rubby. asking who was behind it all, but she just smiled and brushed them off
Even without the host, the wealth on disy was jaw–dropping. Every rare jewel from recent international auctions was here tonight–a feast for the senses, and proof that sometimes, the real power in Riverdale preferred to stay in the shadows.