Chapter 5

On the third day of the countdown, Nadine received an invitation to a dinner party hosted by mutual friends in their social circle, which requested her attendance alongside Hunter. Hunter stood at the entrance, dressed in an impeccably tailored dark gray suit that accentuated his cold, aristocratic demeanor. Yet by his side stood Serena. She wore a white off-shoulder gown. Her hair was in soft waves, her makeup was flawless, and she linked her arm with Hunter's as if she were his wife. Nadine froze mid-step. Her eyes flickered with pain as she looked at Hunter, but she quickly suppressed it. As she curved her lips into a mocking smile, she said, "What's this, Mr. Goldman? Are you taking Ms. Hogan to the party instead?" Hunter shot her a frigid glance, his voice dripping with disdain. "Serena is my date. Do you have a problem with that?" Nadine's fingers clenched the fabric of her dress, her nails nearly piercing her palms. "It's no problem. Just a reminder—we're still married. Aren't you worried about gossip if you bring another woman to a public event?" Hunter scoffed. "Nadine, do you really think I care what people say? You're nothing but a placeholder. Don't overestimate your importance." With that, he turned and left with Serena, not sparing her another glance. Nadine remained rooted in place, watching their retreating figures as a bitter ache swelled in her chest. The banquet hall glittered under dazzling lights, filled with distinguished guests. The moment Hunter and Serena entered, all eyes turned toward them. Hunter seemed determined to humiliate Nadine—he doted on Serena openly throughout the evening. He pulled out her chair, poured her wine, and even whispered in her ear, sparking murmurs among the crowd. "I heard Mr. Goldman and Nadine are sworn enemies as spouses. The rumor seems to be true." "Obviously. Look how gentle he is with Ms. Hogan, while he won't even glance at Nadine." "Poor Nadine. She's the legal wife, yet she looks like an outsider." The whispers sliced through Nadine like knives. She gripped her wine glass until her knuckles turned white, but she didn't move from her spot. She knew the more she reacted, the more Hunter would revel in her pain. But the ordeal wasn't over. Midway through the banquet, Serena excused herself to visit the restroom. Hunter nodded tenderly as she left. Yet moments later, Serena came rushing back. Her clothes were disheveled, her face was pale with terror, and tears glistened in her eyes. "Hunter, save me!" She collapsed into his arms. Her voice trembled as she continued, "Nadine... she hired some thugs... they tried to... to rape me in the restroom!" The room erupted in gasps. Every eye turned to Nadine—some shocked, some scornful, and others barely tried to hide their glee. "My God! Nadine actually did this?" "Is she insane? How dare she attack Serena!" "Mr. Goldman will never let this slide!"