Called Off the Wedding, Left Him Bankrupt novel Chapter 285

Jocelyn hadn’t realized she’d pushed Cynthia so hard until Cynthia nearly stumbled out of her seat. Instantly, she felt a twinge of guilt—but that feeling vanished as Dominic’s arm circled Cynthia protectively. Jocelyn’s eyes flickered with satisfaction, and she shot Cynthia a sly smile.

Wasn’t this, in some twisted way, a blessing in disguise?

Dominic shifted over, making room for Cynthia to sit beside him, his arm still loosely around her shoulders. The awkward scene with Miranda’s question was quickly drowned out by the commotion, and no one seemed to notice her at all.

Viola’s eyes flashed with envy as she watched Dominic’s attentive gesture. She hesitated, wanting to walk over, but there was no space left for her. Frustrated, she returned to her seat, biting back her irritation.

Susan took in the entire exchange, catching even the brief chill in Miranda’s expression. Smirking, Susan deftly changed the subject, steering the conversation elsewhere.

Garry, ever the gentleman, joined in, and the atmosphere soon grew lively again.

Before long, the Raynes family sent someone out to the garden, inviting them into the main hall for the engagement party.

Viola stood abruptly, ignoring her friends behind her, and strode over to gather the group for the procession to the front hall.

At that moment, Jocelyn let go of Cynthia’s hand and, without missing a beat, slipped back to her own brother’s side, looping her arm through his. Garry couldn’t help but chuckle in exasperation at his sister’s antics.

As Cynthia rose, she suddenly realized Dominic had sat down on the hem of her dress. She couldn’t stand up unless he did first. Yet Dominic was still on the phone, apparently in no hurry to move.

Seeing her predicament, Cynthia leaned in and whispered, “Nick, you’re sitting on my dress.”

Viola stomped her foot in frustration and shot a resentful look at Miranda. “Did you see that? Why didn’t you stop her? You’re supposed to—”

Miranda’s eyes turned cold as she cut her off sharply. “Let’s just go,” she said, not giving Viola a chance to finish. She hooked her arm through Susan’s and started walking.

Susan, noting Miranda’s displeasure, only thought Viola was a hopeless fool. The Kingsley and Holloway families hadn’t even finalized their engagement yet—gossip was fine in private, but to blurt it out in front of everyone, risking Dominic shutting her down on the spot and embarrassing Miranda? Reckless.

Viola trailed after them, swallowing her resentment. There was nothing she could do, her anger boiling uselessly inside.

As Cynthia entered the front hall, she spotted Juliet chatting with another prominent businesswoman at the entrance, both of them laughing as they walked in together.