Chapter 50

Belle wasn't the only envious person. Even Chloe, now seated, was jealous. She had been jealous of Belle initially, and her jealousy intensified when Faith arrived and instantly captivated everyone's attention. Chloe was particularly envious of Faith's stunning figure and beauty.

The three women once considered themselves good friends. However, Chloe, who always believed herself the most attractive, now felt relegated to the sidelines.

Looking incredulous, Chloe exclaimed, "That's Faith, without a doubt! But I thought she was badly beaten and hospitalized. Why is she here? My information must be wrong."

"Did Peter not beat her severely enough? Or did he let her go? How dare she openly appear with Kyle? Aren't they worried Peter might find out?"

Belle gripped her wine glass so tightly she almost crushed it. To protect her public image, she could only suppress her frustration.

She wanted to confront Faith, but feared it would only fuel gossip and damage her reputation. Therefore, she turned to Chloe. "Chloe, can you find out what's going on? Warn them; they're not allowed at the Rivas Corporation dinner event." Chloe nodded, rose, and approached Kyle and Faith. Standing before them, arms crossed, she looked smug. Kyle and Faith exchanged confused glances.

Chloe demanded assertively, "What are you doing here?"

Kyle laughed. "Are you here to amuse us? What concern is this of yours?"

Chloe's expression soured. "Kyle Archer, don't be clever with me. Do you really think I care about you and her? I'm simply being kind and warning you."

Turning to Faith, she sneered, "Faith, you're quite bold. Aren't you afraid Peter will find out? Didn't he beat you so badly you were hospitalized? Or did he spare you because you…pleased him?"

Kyle's eyes darkened at Chloe's insult. He wanted to slap her, but Faith restrained him. A physical altercation at the Rivas family event would only invite trouble.

But Kyle wasn't afraid of trouble.

Chloe looked triumphant, having successfully provoked Kyle. "Ah, whatever. You're delusional if you think Peter approves of you and Kyle. The Russo family won't let this slide."

Kyle wanted to tell Chloe the truth—that Peter was contemplating suicide and Joe was suffering—but it was pointless; she wouldn't believe him.

Faith patted Kyle's shoulder, urging him to calm down. She said to Chloe, "Chloe, we were once friends. You don't have to pick on Kyle and me just because I'm attending this event with him. We won't bother you."

"If you have nothing more to say, please leave."

Faith remained polite despite Chloe's malicious intent. Chloe smirked. "What nonsense is that? Did Peter beating you up affect your mind? The Curtis family is on the verge of bankruptcy. You'll be begging on the streets soon. Why are you even here?

"And you, Kyle, you're here to harass Belle, aren't you? Belle hasn't the time today. Leave! I'm done talking to you."

Kyle put an arm around Faith's shoulders and lifted his chin slightly. "Isn't Faith younger and prettier than Belle?"

Chloe's expression crumpled. It was an undeniable truth. Faith's arrival had instantly commanded everyone's attention, proving Kyle right.

Kyle added icily, "We're here by invitation. I won't show you the card; you have no right to see it.

"But I am curious. Belle sits there adorned in jewelry like a dazzling star, yet you wear no proper jewelry. Are you too poor? Perhaps you need to work harder to win her favor.

"I thought you were Belle's best friend. Are you merely her attendant? I can't believe you'd accept that."

Kyle, though usually a gentleman who rarely insulted others, could be scathing when provoked. His words were like daggers to Chloe's heart.