Called Off the Wedding, Left Him Bankrupt novel Chapter 152

Jocelyn turned, about to snap at her, but under the table, Cynthia quietly reached out and squeezed her hand.

The grip was nothing—barely noticeable, certainly not painful.

Viola caught Cynthia's composed expression from the corner of her eye, her lips curving in a faint, almost proprietary smile. Lifting her wine glass with a hostess's poise, she declared, "Let's all raise a glass for Cynthia, shall we? Welcome her back to the fold."

With that, everyone at the table dutifully lifted their glasses.

Cynthia pressed her lips together, picking up her own wine glass.

Jocelyn stayed put, her eyes flicking toward Viola. "Viola, what's that supposed to mean?"

Viola blinked, all innocence. "Nothing at all. Just thought we should give Cynthia a proper welcome back to the Capital."

Jocelyn's brow knitted, her temper simmering. But before she could say more, Viola cocked her head toward Cynthia. "Cynthia, did I say something wrong just now? Did I offend you?"

Cynthia hadn't said a word before Jocelyn cut in, her voice cold. "You know exactly what you said, don't you?"

Viola set her glass down with a soft laugh, her eyes glinting with feigned resignation. "Cynthia, if anything I said bothered you, I apologize. Really, I didn't mean it."

The words sounded like an apology, but there was nothing apologetic in her gaze—only that patronizing edge.

"Maybe I just still picture you as you were a decade ago—all sunshine and confidence. I guess I forgot time changes people. With Tremaine Holdings fading like it has, it's perfectly normal you'd be a little sensitive or insecure."

Jocelyn's face went icy. She swept her glass off the table, stood, and took Cynthia's hand.

Everyone else stared, holding their breath.

Viola only smiled, watching Jocelyn. "Jocelyn, I've apologized. What more do you want?"

"So, who exactly were you talking about when you said 'they'?"

Jocelyn grinned, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "Honestly? I was making it up. But I bet she thinks I meant those high-society girls she's always trying to cozy up to."

Cynthia blinked, then laughed, genuinely amused. "She'll probably toss and turn all night over that."

Viola's aunt may have clawed her way into the Chalfont family, giving Viola status and a leg up, but she'd never truly be on the same level as someone born with a silver spoon like Jocelyn.

In this world, there was always a pecking order. The unspoken hierarchy never disappeared.

Tonight, Cynthia had only tasted a hint of mockery.

But her sister—her poor sister—must have swallowed countless such slights over the years, all in silence.