Chapter 37

Brynn woke up the next morning to find the hickeys on her neck particularly noticeable. She lay sprawled on the bed, a picture of utter dismay. Dominic, feeling a twinge of guilt for his overzealousness the night before, was on a mission to appease his wife. The President himself was up early, attending to her every need, from helping her with her morning routine to even slipping on her shoes and preparing breakfast. Brynn, thoroughly pampered, found her mood significantly improved.

So much so that during breakfast, she asked, “Are you free today? Would you like to accompany me to the Suncrest Group’s banquet?” Dominic desperately wanted to go with Brynn. He yearned for everyone to know that Brynn was his, the woman he cherished above all else! But Brynn was meant to be the star of this event, and he couldn’t overshadow her.

Resigned, Dominic replied with a hint of regret, “I’m afraid I can’t today. I have some pressing matters at work.” Brynn, though slightly disappointed, didn’t press the issue. “Alright, but make sure you get some rest. Don’t overwork yourself.”

After breakfast, Brynn prepared to leave. However, at the doorway, she remembered the hickeys and returned to her room, grabbing a silk scarf she had embroidered herself to wrap around her neck. The Suncrest Group wasn’t far from where Brynn lived. Since Dominic was busy, she hailed a cab.

But the event was so grand that traffic was backed up for blocks. Brynn frowned from the backseat. “Driver, how much longer do you think we’ll be stuck here?” The driver, equally frustrated, sighed. “At this rate, it could be an hour or two before we get moving.”

An hour or two? That was far too long! “I’ll pay the fare, but I’ll get out here,” she said, gathering her things. She opened the door, deciding to walk the rest of the way.

However, as if she hadn’t checked her horoscope that morning, an irritating voice called out from nearby. “Well, well, if it isn’t Portmare’s former ‘It Girl,’ Brynn Everett.” Brynn groaned inwardly. ‘Why is it her again?’ She turned to see Kendra Voss, a socialite who had always been her rival. Brynn had no intention of acknowledging Kendra, but Kendra had deliberately blocked her path.

Brynn rolled her eyes. “Move it, Kendra. Don’t you know it’s rude to block the way?”

“Who are you calling rude?” Kendra snapped. “Brynn, you’re not the Voresqenewyn you were perceived to be… fake…” As she spoke, Kendra’s eyes widened as she took in Brynn’s dress. It was a piece from that top designer, wasn’t it? A global limited edition. Kendra had been drooling over it but had no way to get her hands on it. It was infuriating! Brynn had left the Everett family, yet she could still afford such luxury!

Kendra’s face twisted with jealousy. “Some people have no shame, clinging to the Everett Group even after being exposed as a fraud. They had the nerve to hog the invitation that rightfully belongs to the Everett Group.”

Brynn was speechless, finding Kendra increasingly brainless. She really couldn’t be bothered with such idiocy and tried to step around her. But Kendra, sensing Brynn’s supposed guilt, wasn’t about to let this opportunity to humiliate her slip away. She grabbed Brynn’s arm. “You’re already married, yet you’re still messing around with people from the Suncrest Group. Have you no shame?”

Brynn stared at Kendra as if she had lost her mind. What was she even talking about? “Where did you even…” Brynn began to retort, but was cut off by Chase Johnson, who appeared out of nowhere and demanded, “Brynn, is it true? Are you really selling your body for business deals?”

Brynn was stunned into silence. Because of Chase’s loud outburst, people around them began to cast judgmental glances her way. Seriously, what was wrong with these people? Why couldn’t they just go to a doctor if they were sick?

Brynn’s temper flared. She yanked her arm free from Chase’s grasp and snapped, “Who the hell are you? Spouting nonsense without any proof!”

Chase started, “I…”

“You what?” Brynn retorted. “Chase, what gives you the right to question me like this?”

Chase was stung by Brynn’s words, rendered speechless for a long moment. Seeing him silenced, Brynn turned to Kendra, her voice cold and firm. “Kendra Voss, I’m warning you. If you ever spread baseless rumors about me again, I’ll sue you until you’re behind bars!”