Called Off the Wedding, Left Him Bankrupt novel Chapter 151

The driver pulled up to the entrance of Halcyon Hall.

Cynthia glanced out the window, her gaze lingering on the elegant facade captured in the promotional photo outside. Her smile was faint, tinged with uncertainty.

"If it weren't for you, I doubt Viola would've invited me to this party at all."

At the doors to Halcyon Hall, a row of security guards checked guests' invitations, firmly turning away anyone who tried to slip past unnoticed.

Jocelyn reached for Cynthia's hand, leaning close with a warm, conspiratorial tone. "Didn't Viola used to trail after you, desperate to be your friend? Besides, you've got me—what are you worried about?"

Cynthia's smile warmed. She turned, bumping her forehead gently against Jocelyn's in a silent show of affection. "I'm not worried."

Given the state of Tremaine Holdings, she couldn't afford to be.

Together, Cynthia and Jocelyn entered Halcyon Hall.

The staff recognized Jocelyn instantly and waved them through without question.

Once inside, Jocelyn guided Cynthia through a uniquely designed courtyard and down a corridor with old-world charm before finally arriving at their private dining room.

Jocelyn, arm linked with Cynthia's, pushed open the door. Their view was immediately blocked by a decorative folding screen, preventing them from seeing who was already at the table.

Viola sat at the head of the table, a practiced smile on her lips. The two seats to her right were conspicuously empty—clearly reserved for Cynthia and Jocelyn.

As they entered, Viola remained seated, making no move to greet them.

"You made it," she said softly, her gaze settling on Cynthia. "Cynthia? It's been ages."

With that, every pair of eyes at the table shifted to Cynthia.

She returned their stares with poise, her smile serene and utterly unflustered. "It really has been a long time."

Cynthia took the seat without protest, settling in as if she belonged. Only once she was seated did Jocelyn follow, the expressions on the other guests' faces shifting into something hard to decipher.

Viola glanced at them, lips curled in a smile she didn't bother to explain. "Since you're back in the Capital, Cynthia, are you planning to stay on at Tremaine Holdings?"

Her tone was polite enough, but the scorn in her eyes was obvious. No one at this table needed reminding of Tremaine Holdings' troubles.

In fact, for the last two years, Tremaine Holdings hadn't even made the guest list for the Chalfonts' parties.

Cynthia sat tall, meeting Viola's gaze head-on. "Unless something unexpected comes up, I don't plan on staying there long-term."

Viola nodded, feigning approval. "Probably for the best. It's always smart to look for a new path—wouldn't want to be left stranded if Tremaine Holdings goes under."

Her sympathetic tone was all surface; the mockery beneath was impossible to miss.