Chasing the Unexpected

Once alone, Nyla quickly changed into the white dress, though it was a bit loose around her waist. She took a safety pin from her purse to cinch it. Then, picking up her original dress, she left the dressing room.

When Jane saw Nyla in the white gown, her smile faltered even more. If Nyla had resembled a mermaid in the ocean earlier, she now looked as ethereal and untouchable as moonlight, her beauty strikingly cold and pure.

Jane clenched and unclenched her hands before praising, “Ms. Kinsey, you really do look beautiful in anything. This dress suits you well!”

Not missing the flash of envy in Jane’s eyes, Nyla smirked. “Really? I have you to thank, Ms. Wilkie. I appreciate the loan.”

“You’re welcome. Let’s head back down,” Jane replied.

As they walked back to the main hall, guests took in the contrast between Jane’s bold red gown and Nyla’s elegant white one. In comparison, Jane’s dress now seemed gaudy, almost overdone, while Nyla shone with understated elegance.

Jane’s smile strained even further as she noticed the lingering looks. She excused herself, Ms. Kinsey, I’ll leave you now. I have things to attend to.” NôvelDrama.Org © content.

Nyla gave a polite nod. “Of course, Ms. Wilkie.”

As soon as Jane left, Valarie hurried over. “Nyla, I heard about what happened earlier. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there for you!”

Meeting Valarie’s worried gaze, Nyla reassured her, “Valarie, it’s alright. It’s not your fault.

11

She knew Jane would have made a move against her regardless of Valarie’s presence.

What she didn’t understand was Jane’s hostility over a dress, especially at their first meeting. How could Jane risk ruining her grandfather’s birthday celebration just to pick on her?

Valarie frowned. “Still, that maid was clearly following orders. You should call the police once the party’s over.”

Nyla nodded thoughtfully. “Mm, I know.”

Valarie glanced at Nyla’s dress, hesitant to speak. She wondered how Jane had gotten hold of an outdated dress for Nyla. If anyone else wore it, Jane probably would have outshone

them.

After a moment’s hesitation, she added in a low voice, “I saw Jane talking with Rebecca

outside earlier. I’m not sure what they were discussing, but you should be cautious around her.”

If Rebecca had said something to Jane, this incident would make more sense.

It had been five years since Nyla had fallen into the sea, and Damon had already made Rebecca pay for her actions.

Nyla had no intention of reopening old wounds. But if Rebecca dared to cross her path again, she wouldn’t back down.

“Thank you, Valarie,” Nyla replied.

“Come on, no need for thanks!” Valarie nudged her.

They turned to lighter topics and continued enjoying the party.

Meanwhile, Jane slipped out toward the garden, only to be grabbed and pulled into the shadows near a rock formation. She gasped in fright, about to scream, but then frowned when she saw Gabriel.

“Gabriel, you scared me! What are you doing?” she asked, patting her chest to calm herself.

Gabriel remained impassive as he looked at her. “Why did you have Pauline target Nyla?”