Chapter 4
Chapter 4:
Three months later
A sleek black Maybach rolled to a stop outside the glittering club, its polished surface catching shards of neon light.
When Brinley stepped gracefully from the car, her gaze lingered on the grand entrance, blazing with chandeliers and flashing lights.
Tonight, the Knight family’s annual charity gala was in full swing, drawing the wealthiest and most influential figures in Bleron.
Old memories pressed in—bitter and sharp—pulling a faintly sarcastic curve at the corner of Brinley’s lips.
“Ms. Shaw, you’ve finally arrived.” Ryan Bailey, the Knight family’s longtime butler, hurried forward with practiced precision. Two lines of imposing bodyguards flanked him, and every gesture radiated deference.
Brinley lifted her chin and gave a faint, cool nod in acknowledgment.
“This way, please,” Ryan said politely, moving ahead as the bodyguards followed. Their presence alone drew stares.
Because of Brinley’s identity, they bypassed the main hall and slipped through a private passage.
At her quiet request, Ryan signaled for the bodyguards to stand down, but their absence did little to lessen the attention she attracted. Her arrival still turned heads. Draped in a bold crimson gown, her hair swept into a sleek ponytail, Brinley radiated confidence—elegant and arresting in her simplicity.
𝖨ո𝗌𝘁аո𝘵 а𝗰𝗰е𝘴ѕ 𝗼𝘯
Recognition rippled through the crowd.
“Isn’t that Brinley?” someone whispered, awe and curiosity threading through their tone.
“Oh my, what is she doing here? Since when did the Knight family’s gatherings become open to just anyone p>
“I heard Colin tossed her aside after catching her cheating. It was a whole spectacle. How does she still have the audacity to show up tonight p>
“Shh, keep your voice down. She used to be the apple of the Shaw family’s eye, but they’ve cut her off completely. Look at her—still carrying herself as if she matters p>
The sharp whispers rippled through the hall and reached Brinley, yet she remained unfazed.
She settled into a quiet corner with effortless elegance, sampling the appetizers with calm detachment. Her serene composure only seemed to irritate the gossipers further. At the front of their little pack was Renee Dale, the daughter of Dale Group’s CEO. With a sly smile curling her lips and a glass of wine poised in her hand, she strode toward Brinley, her companions trailing behind.
Renee’s voice carried on purpose, her smile sharp as glass. “Well, if it isn’t Miss Shaw. All by yourself tonight? Where’s Mr. Palmer? Oh, that’s right—I heard the two of you split. Hardly shocking. A man like him couldn’t tolerate a partner who was unfaithful p>
Before Brinley could respond, one of Renee’s companions leaned in eagerly. “Renee’s right. No offense, Brinley, but do you really think showing up here will win Mr. Palmer back? That ship has sailed. Milly’s the one by his side now—she’s carrying his child p>
The exchange only stirred the crowd more, drawing hungry attention from anyone within earshot.
Brinley tipped her head just enough to meet Renee and her entourage with a cold, steady gaze.
“You all seem awfully fascinated with my personal life,” she said, her tone deceptively gentle, edged with steel. “My affairs, however, aren’t open to your judgment. And as for why I’m here…” Her lips curved into a faintly wry smile. “Does the Knight family need your permission before extending an invitation p>
Renee faltered, her face flushing with fury. “Brinley, get off your high horse! Everyone knows about your scandal. How dare you show your face here? What, are you desperate? No man would ever want you now p>
Brinley’s eyes hardened, her voice cool and measured. “It’s none of your business, Miss Dale.” She lifted her chin slightly, her tone threaded with quiet irony. “Instead of wasting your time on me, perhaps you should pay attention to Dale Group’s stock. Word is, it’s been plummeting thanks to some very poor decisions p>
The color drained from Renee’s cheeks. “What are you talking about? That’s complete nonsense p>
Brinley arched a brow and replied evenly, “Don’t play dumb. You know exactly what I mean p>
She brushed Renee off with effortless grace, lifting a delicate pastry from a passing tray. She took a slow, unhurried bite, as if savoring the sweetness more than the conversation.
Across the hall, Colin was speaking with a man, one arm draped possessively around Milly’s waist.
At the sound of the commotion, he turned on instinct. His gaze locked onto a figure he could never mistake. A jolt ran through him, his chest tightening as he stared at Brinley.
Without sparing Milly so much as a glance, he strode straight toward Brinley, ignoring the startled looks around him.
“Colin?” Milly’s voice wavered, her smile freezing in place.
The moment her eyes landed on Brinley not far away, Milly’s expression soured. She hurried after Colin.