On the Ruins of His Regret I Soar novel Chapter 97

The woman glanced at the man, who simply plucked a grape from a nearby tray.

Under the curious gazes of the onlookers, she slowly removed her mask.

Lance froze, stunned. He stumbled back a step, shaking his head. "That… that's impossible."

It wasn't Jessica. It was a woman who shared a similar build and, with the mask on, a strikingly similar jawline. But without the mask, the resemblance vanished. They were two completely different people.

"Have a good look?" the man asked, his voice laced with mocking amusement. "Is this your wife?"

Lance bit his lip, speechless.

The crowd erupted in murmurs.

"Mr. Smith," a woman said boldly from behind her mask, "you're out cavorting with some other woman while accusing your own wife of cheating. Your double standards are astounding."

While the men in the room were unfazed, many of the women felt a surge of indignation on Jessica's behalf.

Catherine quickly stepped forward. "I can explain," she said, her voice soft and placating. "My sister injured her foot a few days ago. Her ankle is still too swollen for her to even get out of bed, which is why she asked me to come in her place. Please, don't spread rumors."

A ripple of understanding went through the crowd. So, Lance Smith's date was that newly-acknowledged stepdaughter of the Brown family.

Catherine stood by Lance's side and bowed to the man in the black mask. "I apologize. Lance made a mistake. If you would be so kind as to tell us who you are, I promise he will pay a formal visit to apologize."

George sneered. "You're apologizing for him?"

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