Chapter 460

“Madam.”

“Have Randy and the others arrived?”

“Mr. Osborne and the others didn’t receive an invitation.”

Debra’s lips curved into a smirk. “No invitation for Randy, Erica, Marion—but me.”

The irony wasn't lost on her; Melody had never previously shown her much regard.

“Let’s go.”

Debra was a vision in a red gown that clung perfectly to her figure, her curls cascading down her back. Limited-edition Riley family jewelry gleamed around her neck and wrists. Her striking appearance immediately commanded attention.

“Mrs. Nichols Sr., Debra is here.”

In the center of the hall, Sheila, in a white gown, stood arm-in-arm with Melody. Her pregnant belly was prominent, and her proximity to Melody only heightened her radiance.

Melody looked at Debra with a mocking smile. She clinked glasses with Leah Riley, a woman in her forties who exuded elegance and grace.

“Mrs. Riley, I hope you’re enjoying yourself.”

“You too, Mrs. Nichols Sr.”

Leah and her husband, Jack Riley, were the epitome of a loving couple. Debra had researched Riley Jewelry extensively when considering a collaboration; Leah and Jack currently headed the company. They had been married for over twenty years, their love seemingly unwavering. Despite the luxurious, high-end nature of their jewelry, each piece was designed with Leah in mind.

Debra had chosen to wear some of Leah’s favorite designs, hoping to win her favor. However, she wasn't naive enough to believe in the industry's fairy-tale romances. A quick investigation revealed that Jack was keeping a college student as a mistress—a fact Leah was aware of but chose to ignore.

This situation mirrored Debra's own predicament. If she could leverage this shared experience to garner Leah’s sympathy and favor, her task would be significantly easier.

Seeing Jack walk away to discuss business, Debra approached Leah.

“Mrs. Riley.”

Leah turned, her eyes lighting up at the jewelry adorning Debra’s neck and wrists.

“Ms. Frazier?”

“It’s me. I didn’t expect you to remember me.”

Debra smiled, and nostalgia filled Leah’s eyes.

“Last time I saw you, you were just a little girl. I can’t believe how much you’ve grown. I heard your family was in trouble and you went to be a trainee.”

“Well, the trainee program was scrapped long ago. Now, I’m a minor shareholder at the McKinney Group and a housewife.”

“Really?”

Leah, also a housewife, found an immediate connection with Debra through this shared experience.

“What about your marriage?” Leah asked.

Debra sighed. “We’re still going through the divorce process. He refuses to sign the papers, and there’s nothing I can do. But I’ve already got a new boyfriend. I just hope the divorce is finalized soon.”

Leah’s eyes filled with sympathy. “That’s a pity.”

Seizing the moment, Debra said, “I envy you and Mr. Riley. You’re so devoted to each other.”

“Yeah,” Leah forced a smile.

Debra raised an eyebrow, her voice laced with feigned curiosity. “Have you and Mr. Riley had any disagreements recently?”

“Not at all. We’ve always loved each other,” Leah replied, but her voice lacked conviction.

Debra leaned in. “Men don’t cherish what they have until they lose it. I’ve experienced it firsthand. If it weren’t for Juan keeping that woman, I wouldn’t have…”