Nellie felt her phone buzz, pulled it out and nced at the message. Her subtle movement caught Nathan''s eye, and when he glimpsed at the message, his handsome brows knitted together.


    Nellie felt a surge of anger, ready tosh out. To Cameron, she''d always be the out-of-ce nobody, unworthy of being here. His message mocked her, implying she didn''t belong. She started typing a retort, but Nathan''s elegant hand gently stopped her. She looked up to see him giving a slight shake of his head. Nellie sighed, erased her response, and locked her phone.


    Cameron''s cold stare bore into her, and after repeatedly checking his phone with no reply, frustration clouded his face.


    He was sure she had read his text. Irritated, he shot off another message: [Nellie, are you using your Mrs. Dawson name to snag that prime seat underhandedly?]


    He added a blunt warning: [Don''t use your title for your own benefit. You''re making me look bad.]


    Nellie saw his message, and her heart, numb until now, ached with a familiar pain.


    Cameron was frigid and ruthless. He''d shower Greta with privileges, paving her career path with his wealth and influence. Doors opened effortlessly for her.


    However, as his wife, Nellie received neither financial support nor a helping hand. He treated her like a potential thief, wary she''d gain even the slightest benefit.


    Nellie was done with Cameron''s endless insults. She typed back, [If you''re so worried about me being Mrs. Dawson and basking in your glory, then why don''t you have the guts to strip me of the title?]


    Just as she hit send, Nathan snatched the phone and blocked Cameron. "Nellie, trash belongs in the bin. Don''t let him get to you."


    When Cameron tried texting Nellie again, all he got was a ring red question mark.


    Had she blocked him? How dare she?


    He looked up at Nellie, who sat gracefully in the front row, her eyes soft and smiling, as if his


    interruptions hadn''t ruffled her calm one bit. He felt utterly insignificant.


    She was bing quite the actress. If she was so unfazed, why did she block him?


    As Cameron stewed over Nellie''s actions, the auction kicked off.


    The first item was a sapphire ne framed by pink diamonds.


    It was priced too low to rattle the elite, especially since it was second-hand. The host tried hard to drum up interest, but no one bid. Desperate, the host turned to the audience, "Is there anyone in the fashion world who can highlight this ne''s charm?"


    Silence fell.


    Then, Greta stood confidently, "Sapphires symbolize power. This ne was a royal heirloom passed from queen to her


    swnovel


    daughter. Owning it means divine favor and a prosperous path


    Her remarks drew apuse but no buyers, as no one wanted to unt their ambitions.ConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    The host, feeling awkward, praised, "Miss Greta, your vast knowledge truly showcases your reputation as a top designer in the Capital."


    Then, with a clever shift, the host


    turned to Nellie, "Miss, you are sitting in the center. I believe you must be a fashion industry leader. Surely, you can help auction this ne, right?"