The Sway and Slide of Love

So, whenever someone brought it up, Ruth would simply smile and say that

Noelle didn't enjoy such social gatherings—that she had already asked her many times, but Noelle always refused to come out.

And today, she stuck to the same excuse.noveldrama

"It's alright. It'd be nice if she could at least make an appearance. After all, the auction is coming up soon, and I'd love to know what Mrs. Freeman thinks about it."

"Exactly! I'd like to know what she's interested in so I can give up early. There's no way I could compete with her anyway."

Ruth chuckled along. "She probably won't go. I asked her before, and she said she doesn't have anything she particularly likes in the auction."

That was what Ruth said, but she was quickly proven wrong. Because on the day of the auction, Hendrix brought Noelle along with him.

It was Coppersville's first major auction of the year, and with a stunning set of jewelry up for bid, everyone who mattered had turned up.

Noelle hadn't actually wanted to come. But the night before, she had lost a bet to Hendrix while playing games, and his condition was that she accompany him to the auction.

He had assured her they would only make a brief appearance, and if she felt bored, they could leave immediately. Only then did Noelle agree to come.

When they entered the venue, Ruth—with a drink in hand—was happily chatting with someone. Although Ricky wasn't particularly accomplished, he gave Ruth plenty of freedom in social settings. After all, many of his resources were acquired through her networking.

Despite being pregnant, Ruth looked surprisingly energetic. With her makeup done, she appeared absolutely radiant.

But the next moment, the atmosphere around her grew awkward.

Ruth was puzzled until someone beside her suddenly asked, "Mrs. Massey, didn't you say Mrs. Freeman wouldn't be coming today?"

The moment those words were spoken, Ruth's heart skipped a beat. Realization struck her instantly, and she whipped her head around just in time to see Hendrix walking in, hand in hand with Noelle.

Noelle was wearing a deep blue-green dress, her hair elegantly pinned up, revealing her smooth, tanned neckline. Her makeup was subtle but perfectly accentuated her features.

As for the man beside her, there was no need to even mention his status-his looks alone outshone every other man in the room, including any Ruth had ever met.

Standing together, the two of them

made an effortlessly striking pair-so striking that it took Ruth a

moment to realize that the other attendees were mocking her. Her grip on her glass instantly tightened.

How could Ruth have forgotten that Noelle had always enjoyed flaunting her status as Hendrix's wife? Her refusal to attend those gatherings wasn't because she disliked them, but rather because she liked playing hard to get and shrouding herself in mystery.

If not, how else could Noelle make an entrance at the perfect moment and steal the spotlight?

In the past, Ruth wouldn't have cared what Noelle said or did. But the problem was, Noelle's sudden appearance tonight was like a slap in her face.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" someone next to her pressed further, their gaze now laced with disdain. It was as if they were ready to label her a liar outright.

Ruth quickly composed herself and said with a smile, "Look at her, showing up without even telling me. Excuse me. I need to go over and give her a piece of my mind."