Chapter 39
Isabella was about to suggest they go take a look when she noticed Logan standing frozen, his expression dark as he stared across the room.
There, entering amidst the crowd, was Eliana, poised on Nathan’s arm.
Even in a packed hall, Eliana’s radiance was impossible to ignore. In comparison, Isabella suddenly felt diminished.
She’d been so confident in her look tonight, but seeing Eliana now made her fists clench involuntarily.
She recognized that gown instantly. It was the lavish, custom–made piece she’d spotted months ago, the one Nathan had commissioned six months in advance.
Isabella had wondered then who could be important enough to wear it.
She’d imagined some untouchable socialite, never once dreaming it would be Eliana.
It was human nature. People rarely envied those truly beyond their reach, but they seethed at the success of those they considered beneath them.
In Isabella’s mind, Eliana had always been lesser. Seeing that dress on her and seeing her standing so boldly beside Nathan was intolerable.
Jealousy burned like acid in her throat. Seeing the look on Logan’s face only twisted the knife deeper.
Forcing a mask of surprise, she whispered, “Logan, isn’t that Ms. Lyons? How did she end up with Mr. Turner?
“Is she his date?
“Logan, isn’t this going too far? You’re not even divorced yet, and she’s parading as Nathan’s date? It feels like a deliberate slap on your face.
“I used to think she was just neglectful of Samuel… but to do this to you…”
When Logan first saw Eliana, a slow anger ignited in his chest.
He’d never imagined she’d get involved with Nathan.
But seeing them together suddenly connected scattered dots in his mind.
‘No wonder Nathan always casually asked about our marriage. They knew each other all along. No wonder I always felt that subtle hostility from him,‘ Logan thought.
As he saw Eliana smile and mingle at Nathan’s side, a strange, sour feeling churned in his gut.
Perhaps because when she’d first been with him, the Lyons family was already in decline, so she’d always been gentle and cautious around him. He’d never known his wife could shine like this.
12:25 Mon, Jan 19 M
Chapter 39
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The woman once mocked for her outdated dress and the dazzling figure now commanding the room were actually the same.
Somehow, the realization left a bitter taste.
Ignoring Isabella, he strode purposefully toward Nathan.
The crowd, well aware of Eliana’s identity as Mrs. Eliot, subtly parted as he approached.
A wife appearing as another man’s date was a public spectacle.
People edged back, wary of getting caught in the crossfire.
Logan stopped before them, his gaze darkening as it settled on Eliana’s hand resting on Nathan’s arm.
Feeling his stare, Eliana instinctively tried to pull her hand back. Nathan, however, subtly lifted his right hand and placed it over hers, holding it firmly in place.
Only then did he look at Logan. “Is there something I can help you with, Mr. Eliot?”
Logan ignored him, his eyes locked on Eliana’s hand.
He’d seen her reflexive flinch clearly.
It gave him a strange, small sense of relief.
No matter how she got Nathan to go along with it, she was obviously still afraid of angering him.
This was all an act, a ploy for his attention, to make him jealous.
Well, it was working.
Taking a deep breath, Logan finally met Eliana’s eyes. He spoke slowly, “Come here.”
Nathan let out a soft, incredulous laugh. “Who are you speaking to, Mr. Eliot? Surely not my date?”
“She is my wife,” Logan ground out, finally looking at Nathan. “A fact I’m sure you’re well aware of.
“We’ve been married for six years. We have a five–year–old son, Everyone here knows that. Don’t pretend otherwise.”
“I certainly wasn’t informed,” Nathan retorted coldly. “Unless the rules have changed since I’ve been abroad?
“Is it now acceptable for a married man to attend events with another woman on his arm? Is that how you fulfill your role as a husband?”
“My apologies, Mr. Eliot, but in my book, equality works both ways. If a married man can flaunt his mistress, why can’t I invite his neglected wife as my date?”
With that, Nathan stepped forward, deliberately brushing past Logan, and led Eliana toward the dance floor.
12:25 Mon, Jan 19 M
Chapter 39
64
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Humiliated, Logan turned to their retreating backs. “Eliana,” he called out, his voice tight. “I’m asking you one last time. Are you coming over here or not?”
Eliana stopped and turned to face him. “Are you threatening me, Mr. Eliot? And what if I say no? What will you hold over my head this time?
“Besides, you brought your own date. What does it say about her that you’re saying this to me?
“Logan, you can’t have your cake and eat it too. Understand?”
Her gaze flicked pointedly toward Isabella.
As her words hung in the air, the eyes of the room followed her glance, settling on Isabella. Whispers rose immediately.
Isabella, who had been glaring daggers at Eliana, suddenly found herself under a microscope. Her face burned under the weight of their judgmental, faintly disgusted stares.
