Vanessa felt a corrosive bitterness spreading through her chest, sharp and painful.


    She had once been so close to this circle, so close she could almost touch it.


    But now, they remained on their pedestals, shining brightly, while she didn''t even have the right to approach them and say hello.


    She once thought that by manipting Henry, she could use Eleanor as a wedge to drive them apart, but ultimately, she had failed. Now, Xavier andn''s rtionship had been restored, which meant Xavier had likely given up his pursuit of Eleanor, leaving the field open forn.


    After all, when Xavier''spany faced difficulties overseas recently, it wasn who had stepped in to help, further cementing their bond.


    Now she was trapped by Walden Wells''s side. Though it looked morous on the surface, only she knew the bitter truth.


    Just then, Walden, who had had too much to drink, staggered over, supported by another guest. "Miss Shannon, Mr. Wells is drunk. You should take him home to rest. I''ve arranged a car for you."


    Walden looked at Vanessa, his breath reeking of alcohol. "Vanessa, my little sweetheart,e here"


    His call of "sweetheart" echoed loudly in the rtively quiet banquet hall, instantly drawing the gazes of numerous guests—gazes that were curious, amused, and even openly contemptuous.


    Vanessa felt her face burn as if on fire. She suppressed her emotions, walked over to Walden, and forced a gentle smile. "Walden, you''ve had too much to drink. Let''s go home."


    At that moment, all she wanted was to escape this humiliating ce as quickly as possible.


    Walden was indeed quite drunk, and when he was drunk, he had a bad habit of getting handsy.


    Vanessa froze as she saw Walden''s handing towards her, but she didn''t dare push him away. Head down under the weight of countless ambiguous stares, she supported him as they walked towards the exit.


    She didn''t have the courage to look at the three men at the main table; it would only make her feel more ashamed.


    "Tsk! Mr. Wells certainly is a lucky man!"


    "Yeah, his date is an international piano diva! He''s in for a heavenly night!"


    The muffled snickers reached her ears.


    Walden was too dazed and hard of


    hearing to catch it, but Vanessa heard every word. Eachment stung, stripping away what little pride she had left. She could feel several pairs of lecherous eyes on her, as if she were a piece of merchandise being shamelessly appraised.


    A waiter hurried after them. "Miss Shannon, you forgot your purse."


    Vanessa turned to take the purse, but as she did, her eyes instinctively flicked toward the main table.


    The three men were indeed looking in her direction, but their gazes held none of the mockery she expected, none of the satisfaction of seeing her fall. They didn''t even deign to grant her an emotion.


    And yet, that was what made Vanessa feel worse than any scorn or contempt could. It was a copse-inducing level of pain.


    They didn''t even exchange nces or show any desire to judge her, maintaining their superiorposure and dignity.


    Supporting Walden, Vanessa


    practically fled the banquet hall. Once they were in the car and the door was shut, she copsed against the seat gasping for a intense humiliation made her bite


    down hard on her lip.


    For her, this wedding had been nothing but aplete and utter humiliation.