Chapter 358

 358:
Linsey was soon surrounded by a handful of astute women, their praises ringing clear.
“Linsey, your husband really knows how to make an impression! You’ve both got such impeccable taste.”
Beth stood alone, conspicuously empty-handed amidst the laughter and chatter, feeling awkward and out of place.
She watched, her gaze almost fixed with envy, as everyone else around her gleefully unwrapped their lavish gifts.
It had never crossed her mind that Collin would go to such extravagant lengths for Linsey, splurging to curry favor with the others on her behalf.
The sting of exclusion was sharp; among the smiling faces, she alone had been forgotten.
He had singled her out.
As the realization sank in, irritation simmered within her. Struggling to mask her rising jealousy with a veneer of disdain, Beth scoffed, “What’s there to be so proud of? These trinkets might dazzle those who don’t know any better, but to me, they reek of cheapness. It’s not shocking, seeing as they’re from the Riley family’s black sheep.” Her voice carried a mix of bitterness and forced superiority.
Kane, witnessing her struggle, felt a surge of secondhand embarrassment. After a moment of tense silence, he could no longer contain himself. “Beth, just stop,” he interjected sharply.
“What? Am I wrong?” Beth pressed on, her eyebrows arching in disbelief. “Seriously, Kane? Is your bar that low? Just a bottle of red wine and you’re impressed?”
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Kane glanced at Beth, seeing the fervor in her eyes, and decided it was best to let it go. “You!” he exclaimed, his voice laced with frustration, before turning away dismissively.
Around them, the tension among the group had reached a boiling point. “Beth, you’ve been stirring up trouble for Linsey since this reunion kicked off. Enough is enough.”
“Beth, if you don’t get it, just zip it. You’re just making a fool of yourself.”
“That’s right! The red wine Linsey’s husband brought is from Grester’s most prestigious private winery. They only cater to the upper crust and never to the general public. Only someone oblivious like you would dismiss it as mere trinkets.”
“And this perfume? It’s exclusively for royals. Nowadays, only the top tier of society would even consider using this brand.”
Beth’s mouth fell open, her face the picture of astonishment. “What? How is that even possible?” she gasped, her voice barely a whisper.
Her eyes darted to the gift boxes in their hands, each adorned with a distinctive, embossed logo.
That logo was undeniably a symbol of wealth and exclusivity!
A wave of regret and anger surged through Beth, overwhelming her senses. She clenched her fists, struggling to contain the storm of emotions brewing inside her.
Beth’s mind raced. Seriously? How could Collin afford such luxury gifts? Wasn’t he supposed to be a loser?
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