Chapter 111

The guests' murmurs lacked volume, though the clarity made them unmistakable.

Guests exchanged hushed comments, and some began rallying behind Hannah, deepening Brinley's bitterness toward her.

In that moment, any further words were futile. Brinley required an advocate to speak in her place. She turned toward Danica with pleading eyes.

Danica touched Brinley's arm and let out a cold laugh, her words slicing with scorn. "Hannah, you're envious of Brinley.Vincent was kind enough to allow you to help plan the birthday gathering, yet now you're lashing out at Brinley and acting like you orchestrated the whole event."

Hearing that, Brinley glanced at Danica, her eyes glossy."Danica, I am fine. Let's ignore her nonsense. She's not worth our time."

"Miss Scott has been difficult since arriving. Miss Gilbert hasn't had peace because of her," one guest commented.

"Mr. Jones is to blame for ever keeping Ms. Scott around, and Miss Gilbert ends up carrying the burden."

In an instant, Brinley gained the crowd's favor once again.

Hannah regarded Brinley and Danica's performance without reacting, her gaze laced with sarcasm.

Abruptly, a tall man parted the crowd. His blonde hair stood out as he declared, "Ms. Scott, it's a pleasure to finally meet you." Gasps rippled through the guests. Wasn't that the SKY Philharmonic manager? Could it be-he recognized Hannah?

Brinley's face remained unreadable as she didn't recognize the man at all.

Hånnah's expression lit up as she embraced him. "Mr. Smnith,are you leaving?"

Pollock Smith remained courteous and warm, his eyes lingering on Hannah with clear regard. "Indeed. I came just to bid farewell. Everyone in our ensemble adores you. Let's talk longer next time."

"Of course," Hannah answered.

They waved goodbye to each other.

Hannah turned to Brinley, her tone laced with steel,"Miss Gilbert, you said you've known the manager of SKY Philharmonic for years. But why didn't Mr. Smith recognize you,and why did you act like he was a stranger to you? You've been lying all along."

Brinley had missed the exchange entirely, too busy scrambling for her next move. Her pulse stuttered. That man was the SKY Philharmonic manager?

Danica appeared completely stunned.

"This twist is too sudden. So Mr. Jones' fiancée really lied?" one of the guests gasped.

"Of course. Mr. Smnith clearly doesn't know Miss Gilbert."

"I knew Ms. Scott came prepared."

"But isn't Ms. Scott from an ordinary family? How does she know Pollock Smith?"

A fresh wave of whispers filled the room. Some remarks turned cruel, and Brinley's hands curled into fists.

Noticing this, Danica stepped in to confront Hannah, grabbing her hand. "You always bring chaos. Get out. The Jones family doesn't welcome you."

Hannah shook Danica off, a sneer tugging at her lips. "Not welcome me? Yet, you accept the mnistress?"

"Hannah!" Brinley barked, brows drawn tightly together.

Amusement twinkled in Hannah's eyes as she smirked. "Why shout? The mistress label hits too close?"

Brinley's face twitched, her features darkening. "You're just some man's pet. How dare you label me a mistress?"

She took a chance, gambling that Hannah wouldn't expose her secret marriage to Vincent.

The crowd erupted in disbelief.

"Has Ms. Scott lost her mind? She called Mr. Jones' fiancée a mistress?"

"Exactly, who gave her the guts?"

"Is she causing a scene because she feels shortchanged?"

"She probably had her own motives when she approached Mr.Jones."

Hannah stood tall, calmly listening to the audience's speculation. Lifting her gaze, she spotted Vincent stepping in from outside and called out, "Vincent, clear it up-who's your wife?"

Brinley's gamble had failed.