Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

Suzanne's intentions were as clear as day. She was trying to tie Claire's death to Connor or maybe stir up the gossip about Connor's origins. Once again, she was pushing Connor into the spotlight.noveldrama

Chloe stood by Connor's side, watching him silently with a furrowed brow. Then she stepped forward and said, “Looks like Mrs. Gilbert isn't here to pay her respects but to stir the pot instead."

Suzanne wasn't expecting Chloe to be so upfront, especially in front of such a crowd. Her face fell, and she put on an air of authority, "Since when did the Sartori family let you take charge? Or is this how the Sartori family treats its guests? I was just sharing a few thoughts, and here you are, a mere junior, snapping back at me. No wonder folks say the Sartori family is on the decline, like a dragon sinking into the sea."

Everyone could catch the biting sarcasm in Suzanne's words. She was poking at the Sartori family's sore spots, blowing up their scandals.

Chloe didn't back down. "Speaking of family reputations, Mrs. Gilbert, you surely take the cake. Everyone in the Eldridge Elites knows how you clawed your way up to being Mrs. Gilbert. Pax and Diana were born just months apart, and Diana was already on the way before Pax even arrived. If we're talking about clawing your way up, who isn't whispering about Mrs. Gilbert's crafty moves? And of course, we've all heard about Diana's recent stunts-knowing full well Connor and I are married, yet still trying to meddle. I wonder if she picked up a trick or two from you. After all, you practically wrote the book on social climbing."

Suzanne was shaking with anger. Her past as a social climber was a stain she couldn't wash off, something she'd been criticized for ages ago. But now it was ancient history, and she had long been accepted as the legitimate Mrs. Gilbert. Many of the younger folks didn't even know about it. But here was Chloe, dragging her reputation through the mud in front of the Eldridge Elites.

"Chloe, you're out of line! Who gave you the nerve to talk to me like that?" Before Chloe could reply, Connor stepped up. "And who gave you the nerve to make a scene at my sister's memorial?"

Suzanne was truly rattled. She only meant to stir up a bit of drama but ended up caught in the middle of it Fuming, she decided to drop the act. "YourSister? Everyone knows you're really her son, Mr. Connor. Why keep up the charade and make a fool of yourselves? They say life imitates art, and your family drama is juicier than any high-society soap opera."

"Mrs. Gilbert was once an actress; maybe she's stuck in her role, seeing everything as theater."

"Of course, I get it. You've lived under my sister's shadow for so long, always tiptoeing around her like a mouse around a cat. Now that she's

gone, you're free to strut. But you must feel pretty bitter, having been overshadowed all your life, only finding your voice now that she's passed."

"I'd remind Mrs. Gilbert that respecting the dead is crucial. Your actions, kicking someone when they're down and dishonoring the deceased, are downright low and earn nothing but contempt."

The crowd began to murmur in agreement, backing Chloe up.