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Novel Catalog
Chapter 54: Manuel Brings a Female Companion
Kaitlin’s eyes burned with barely concealed fury as she glared across the room. “Kaliyah, look at her—how proud that cheap woman looks,” she hissed under her breath, her teeth grinding.
Kaliyah took a slow breath, forcing a smile onto her face. She turned her gaze toward Ainsley, standing confidently by Manuel’s side. “She’s Mr. Gage’s female companion now. Of course, she’s proud. Every young lady in this room would love to be in her shoes. Who wouldn’t?” Her words were dripping with feigned calm, but beneath it, the jealousy was clear.
Kaitlin’s anger only simmered, reaching a boiling point. “Why does she get to stand beside him?” Her voice tightened, almost unrecognizable with rage. “Why not me?”
Kaliyah scanned the crowd, her eyes flicking to the second floor. She noticed a few figures standing there, her suspicion confirming her thoughts. Koen was somewhere above, watching.
A knowing glint appeared in her eyes. Koen wouldn’t tolerate a divorced woman like Ainsley. She was sure of it. And with that, Kaliyah decided to make her move.
Meanwhile, Ainsley was chatting with Serina, who was glowing in her high-end fluffy dress. It was clear Serina had gone all out for this event, and Manuel’s influence on her wardrobe wasn’t lost on Ainsley.
“You look stunning, Serina,” Ainsley complimented her, admiring the design. “The dress is gorgeous. Manuel has great taste.”
Serina laughed, a light blush coloring her cheeks. “Oh, please! I almost complained about his choice. But I’m glad you like it. I feel like I’m wearing a cloud,” she said, twirling playfully.
Just then, in the private room upstairs, Koen Gage sat leisurely sipping his coffee. His calm demeanor was interrupted when a middle-aged man approached him.
“Mr. Gage, Manuel has arrived,” the man said with a respectful bow. “And he’s brought a female companion with him.”
“A female companion?” Koen’s curiosity was piqued. It was rare for Manuel to involve himself with women, especially after Irene’s death. This was something new. He hadn’t anticipated it.
Koen’s interest shifted from casual to sharp. “Let’s go take a look.”
As Koen descended the spiral staircase, he overheard a group of women gossiping, their voices low but unmistakable.
“Is she really divorced?” one whispered.
“Of course, her ex-husband was Cason. He’s here too.”
“Does Mr. Gage know about this?” another one muttered, her voice tinged with suspicion. “She became a joke after the divorce. How could Mr. Gage not know?”
The words hit Koen like a cold gust of wind, but he held his composure. Cason’s ex-wife, they said. So, this woman was the one who had been married to the Baldry heir? The information settled in his mind, and the surprise faded. It wasn’t so much the divorce that bothered him—it was the implications of her being here with Manuel.
