Chapter 9: Is The Pendant Even Real?
When Amelia took the stage to speak, her eyes scanned the crowd, searching for Chad and Vianna. She wanted to see their reactions, but the audience was cloaked in darkness. It dulled her sense of satisfaction, though her goal had been achieved. In front of New York’s elite, she had announced her divorce, making it clear to Chad that she didn’t care about his money and was truly ready to end their marriage.
As the applause thundered, nearly shaking the ceiling, Amelia stepped backstage. Richard approached her, clapping.
“That was an incredible speech. Thank you for sharing your story” he said sincerely.
“Thank you,” she replied. “I’d like to anonymously donate twenty million dollars to the Women’s Rights Association. I don’t want anyone to know.”
Richard nodded and turned to his assistant. “Mara will contact you tomorrow” he said softly.
Mara Claire stepped forward, offering Amelia a hug. “Miss Ainsworth, I’m so sorry for what you’ve been through. I admire your strength, and I shouldn’t have doubted you. I trust the mayor’s recommendation, and I trust you. I’d like to invite you to be our association’s legal advisor.”
Amelia shook her head. “I’m sorry. I’ve been out of the legal field for too long. Il be leaving now.”
“Where are you going?” Richard asked.
Tve said what I needed to say. I despise insincere, meaningless socializing. I’d rather visit the museum and then go home.”
Richard hesitated but finally spoke. “Could you stay a bit longer? I need to talk to you later.”
Amelia considered for a moment, then nodded. “Alright. Whether you’re doing this for women’s votes or because you genuinely want to help them, as a woman, I have to thank you for hosting this dinner party.” Richard gave her a small nod and returned to the stage.
Amelia wandered through the museum, pausing at each plece she had donated. Every item brought back memories of her childhood.
She wasn’t sure how much time had passed when a familiar scent of Dior perfume reached her nose. A sharp voice followed.
“Amelia, you really stole the show tonight, didn’t you?”
Amelia turned to see Vianna approaching.
Step by step, Vianna closed the distance, her voice growing shriller. “Do you know how ridiculous you looked up there, pretending to be some ‘natural queen‘? Where did you even get the money to dress like
that?”
She waved her phone in the air, her sneer deepening. “So I did a little digging. That ruby pendant you’re wearing? It was auctioned off in France last month for over ten million dollars. And back then, you were still Chad’s full–time housewife, without even a bank account of your own.”
Amelia nodded calmly. “And?”
Vianna’s tone became cutting. “It means your pendant is fake. Your dress is probably rented, too. You went on stage preaching about independence and strength, but in reality, you’re just a vain fraud, dressing
yourself up to impress those people!”
Vianna’s jealousy and frustration boiled over. Witnessing the admiration Amelia had gamered earlier had been unbearable. She couldn’t stand that Amelia, whom she looked down on, had outshone her in every way–down to the price of her jewelry. Determined to expose Amelia’s supposed facade, Vianna had sought her out, hoping to humiliate her and salvage her own pride.
Amelia saw through Vianna’s intentions. She had always known Vianna looked down on her. Now, seeing Amelia receive more attention and wear jewelry more expensive than hers, Vianna couldn’t handle it. Amelia didn’t feel the need to justify herself.
1 haven’t lied” Amelia said coldly. “I think tonight has been too much for you to handle. Your nerves seem… a little frayed. Maybe you should go home and rest.”
Vianna’s voice rose, nearly a scream. “You’re lying! You can’t afford a ten–million–dollar pendant! Tell me, how did you get it?”
Before the situation could spiral further, a steady voice interrupted.
Ms. Miller, that pendant is real.”
The commotion Vianna had caused had drawn the attention of many guests. Mr. Wright, one of the event’s hosts, stepped forward to defuse the tension.
“The auction records show that the pendant was purchased a month ago by Ms. Elise Fairfield. Ms. Fairfield had it authenticated by me personally. And during her speech, Ms. Ainsworth mentioned that Ms. Fairfield is not only her best friend but also her divorce attomey, who has helped her immensely.”
Vianna was stunned, unable to process this revelation.
Mara, the mayor’s assistant, stepped forward as well, her expression firm. “I can vouch for Ms. Ainsworth. She is neither a thief nor someone who flaunts her wealth to prove herself.”
Faced with such unwavering support from multiple people, Vianna was left speechless.
Amelia finally spoke, her tone icy. “I have a best friend who can gift me a ten–million–dollar pendant. What about you, Vianna? Do you have any real friends?”
“You bitch-”
Manna’s face turned red with anger, her voice caught in her throat. She could barely breathe, let alone respond. She realized she had humiliated herself beyond repair. Tomorrow, all of high society would be talking about her disgrace.
With her face burning, she pushed through the crowd and fled.
As the tension dissipated, the guests began to disperse. A man approached Amelia, extending his hand with a polite smile.
Ms. Ainsworth, may I have the honor of a dance?”
“Get lost” Amelia replied coolly. “You’re not even worth my time.”
Another man stepped forward, pushing the first aside. Adjusting his suit, he smiled charmingly at Amelia. “Ms. Ainsworth, my name is Wayne Bruce. I’ve always stayed alone… until tonight, when I saw you.” A voice cut in mockingly. “Oh, please. Wipe the lipstick off your face before you try to act like a gentleman!”
Wayne tumed angrily “Says you, Tony Stark! Your girlfriend could fill the Empire State Building!”
The two impeccably dressed men began bickering, their argument descending into a farce
A group of wealthy, influential men surrounded Amelia, each trying to outdo the other in securing her attention. The atmosphere grew increasingly heated, verging on comical. Suddenly, a furious voice shattered the commotion.
“Get lost, all of you! She’s my wife, and she won’t be accepting any of your invitations
