A Rose 421


    Yara had just arrived at Sherman Vi. The other socialite women were eager to greet her. Their


    tones were affectionate and tinged with a hint of ttery.


    “Mrs. Murray, what a pleasant surprise!”


    “Yes, indeed! It’s not often we meet you at these gatherings, Mrs. Murray. Please, sit down!”


    In the past, Yara’s poor health had often kept her from attending such social events.


    Yara smiled graciously as she exined, “Irwin was concerned about me going out when I was sick.


    I’ve been feeling bettertely so I’ll be making an effort to get out and about more.”


    With those words, the others immediately started to butter her up.


    “Mr. Murray really dotes on you! We’re so jealous!”


    “That’s right. It’s amazing how, after all these years, Mr. Murray is still so sweet and in love with


    you.”


    The only exception to the chirping women was Carmen Gand, decked out in shy attire,


    standing off to the side. She let out a disdainful scoff, loud enough for the group to hear.


    “Mrs. Murray, you’re as cunning as ever when ites to manipting men,” she said, her voice


    dripping with malice. “But why can’t you control your daughter?


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    “I hear the Quinns want to call off the engagement with the Murrays. You were so humiliated you


    had Wilson beaten up. But let’s be real, the Quinns are a prestigious family. Why would they want a


    country bumpkin for a daughter–inw?”


    The moment Carmen finished, Yara’s face darkened. She could tolerate any insults, but no one


    could criticize her precious daughter!


    She roared, “Zip it! If I hear you bad–mouthing Yvie again, I’ll tear you a new one!”


    “What did I say that’s so wrong? I’m just speaking the truth!”


    Carmen had long disliked Yara. Despiteing from an average background, Yara had managed to


    marry Irwin Murray. Thus, she became the wife of the richest man in Jubilife.


    Irwin loved her deeply. His love for her had remained unwavering throughout their marriage.


    Moreover, he had always been a paragon of virtue, with no scandals to his name.


    And she had given him five sons, each more outstanding than thest.


    Meanwhile, Carmen’s husband kept countless mistresses, and despite her age, she still hadn’t


    birthed an


    heir!


    Why was Yara so blessed? It was no surprise Carmen was green with envy. Now that she’d finally


    found a chance to mock Yara, she wasn’t about to let it slip.


    She rattled on, “Yvette grew up in the countryside. What else could she be but a country bumpkin?


    She should take a good look in the mirror before dreaming about marrying into the Quinn-”


    “How dare you speak ill of my fiancée!”


    But before Carmen could say another word, a cold, authoritative voice cut through the air.


    The room fell silent as Wilson strode in. His presence alonemanded attention. The once noisy


    hall fell silent in an instant.


    Everyone looked at Wilson in shock, fear spreading across their faces.


    2/2


    Despite most attendees being older–and thus technically his elders–no one dared to act superior


    around him.


    As Wilson made his way in, the tension among the group of women grew. It was especially


    noticeable with Carmen, who had been the one mocking Yvette earlier. The smugness on her face


    vanished, reced by a deathly pallor. She was absolutely terrified.


    But how could this be? Rumors had already been circting among the elite families. Wilson was


    supposedly determined to call off his engagement to Yvette.


    They imed he intended to marry Victoria instead. What was he doing now?


    “Mrs. Murray,” Wilson greeted Yara with respect, walking over without sparing the others a nce.


    “You… What are you doing here?”