Chapter 48 Threads of Betrayal
Chapter 48 Threads of Betrayal
43%
+10 Free Coins
For a moment Claudia thought her aunt’s fury meant some old grudge with Summer. But before she could ask, Jade’s words cut sharp and cold.
The truth came fast–this gown wasn’t Summer’s purchase at all. It had been commissioned months ago by Alan himself.
Jade’s voice shook with outrage. “He came to me asking for a bridal couture piece,” she said. “And I remembered–you two never had a wedding, only a license. I thought perhaps he meant to make it right, to finally give you what he owed you. I despised him, but I still took the order, believing it was for you.”
Her hands trembled as she went on, teeth clenched. “But yesterday you told me you’re seeking divorce. So I never mentioned the dress. I thought, fine, if you’re leaving him, it doesn’t matter anymore whether he planned some late ceremony. But now? To see her parading in it–his mistress, dressed in the gown I stitched with my own hands?”
Jade’s eyes burned with disgust. “Every rose on that hem—I sewed them one by one. Every diamond, I chose myself. And now it’s defiled by this farce.”
Claudia went pale. Her aunt’s chest rose and fell violently, breath catching. Alarm spiked through her. She rushed forward, patting her aunt’s back, coaxing her chest gently as if to ease her breathing.
“Please, calm down. Don’t get worked up–it doesn’t matter to me anymore. He can do whatever he wants, it’s nothing to us. Please, don’t make yourself sick over him,” Claudia pleaded, voice cracking, tears streaking her cheeks.
She reached for her phone, ready to call an ambulance–only for Jade’s hand to close over hers.
“…No. I’m fine.”
Her face was ashen. She motioned toward her bag. Claudia fetched a small unlabeled vial, watched as her aunt tipped out several black herbal pills and swallowed them. Color gradually returned to her cheeks.
<
1/3
17:42 Wed, 3 Sept
Chapter 48 Threads of Betrayal
Still, Claudia’s heart clenched. “Aunt, what’s wrong with your health?”
43
+10 Free Coins
“Nothing serious,” Jade waved it off. “I’m just older now. When emotions run high, my chest tightens. A trusted doctor prepared these pills to settle it. With them, it passes quickly.”
Claudia wasn’t reassured. She begged to take her to a hospital for a full check.
Jade pulled her hand. “I told you, I know my body. I already see a physician regularly. Don’t worry–my bones are still stronger than half the youngsters you know.”
It took a long tug of wills before Claudia extracted her aunt’s promise: once the gala ended, she’d submit to a full hospital exam. Only then did Claudia relent.
“Still,” Jade said, striking the table with her palm, eyes icy as she glared at the stage below, “this is not over.”
Her gaze drilled into the image of Summer basking in applause, harp strings fading. Jade’s pupils gleamed like steel–frozen, merciless.
Across the hall, another box brimmed with satisfaction.
Mrs. Zach sat straight–backed, face glowing with maternal pride as her daughter bowed and left the stage like a moonlit saint.
She knew exactly what her daughter was wearing. Splendid. Jade’s own hand.
Alan had told them himself when the gown arrived at their home: the roses were stitched by Jade personally. An honor reserved for royalty, VIPs of the highest tier, a rare few among the world’s elite. To appear in such a gown was proof of status itself. And the price–thirty–two million.
And the harp? A priceless antique, flown in from Foracia Museum on a private jet.
The Zach family could never have commanded such favor on their own.
They had watched Alan’s expression during the performance. His captivation was real, impossible to fake. He had spent lavishly, planned every detail, lifted Summer up on a pedestal.
2/3
17:42 Wed, 3 Sept
Chapter 48 Threads of Betrayal
All that remained was removing Claudia.
Then, marriage between the Moores and the Zachs would be inevitable.
༠ ༥ ཐཱ, 43%_
+10 Free Coins
Chandler leaned forward, clearing his throat. “Alan, for all you’ve done for my daughter tonight… I thank you.”
Alan smiled easily. “There’s no need for thanks. It’s what she deserves.”
Timothy, still feverish from the performance, chimed in without restraint. “Exactly! With how much Alan cares for Summer, this is nothing. Summer deserves every bit of it–she’s worth it all.”
