Is It Love Or a Lie?

Chapter 9 The Humiliation

Florence finally managed to dispel Lancelot's doubts about her, allowing her a brief moment to breathe.

Using the excuse of postpartum depression, she gained more freedom in her actions. Lancelot even began giving her some space, no longer monitoring her around the clock.

After the Moore Group's press conference, Lancelot officially took over as president, and Florence knew her time was running out.

In a few days, there would be a charity gala, and it was her best chance to make a public appearance.

She planned to seize this chance to suggest joining the Moore Group without arousing Lancelot's suspicions.

To make a stunning entrance at the upcoming charity gala, Florence threw herself into the gym, sweating through every session.

She gritted her teeth and pushed herself, perfecting each movement. The post-pregnancy weakness and fatigue seemed far behind her.

"Ms. Moore, you've been at it for three hours today. You should take a break." Jack Burton, her personal trainer, looked at her with admiration in his eyes, unable to hide his respect for her perseverance."

"No, I can't waste a single second," Florence replied, taking a deep breath, her tone resolute. "I can't afford to lose, and I won't let my babies lose either!"

"You're too hard on yourself." Jack sighed. "You could be enjoying life. Why push yourself so much?"

Florence paused, wiping the sweat from her face with a towel, her eyes sharp and unwavering. "Choosing an easy life would be like inviting wolves to devour me. I won't risk my future or my babies!"

Jack looked at the seemingly fragile woman standing before him, realizing just how incredibly strong she was. He couldn't help but admire her even more.

Just then, her phone rang.

"Ms. Moore, I've found something." Felix's voice carried a serious tone. "It looks like that fire at Grosvenor Manor might be connected to your father."

A chill shot through Florence's heart, sweeping over her. "Are you saying my father started the fire?"

"No, that's not what I mean. It's just that your father seems to be involved in some way, but the details are unclear due to how much time has passed," Felix clarified. "However, I did find out that your father's company had a major business deal with the Grosvenor family back then. The fire occurred shortly after the deal fell apart..."

Florence's vision blurred, and she held onto the table to steady herself.

"How... how could this happen..."

She murmured to herself, memories of her father's kind smile flashing in her mind.

She couldn't believe it. The father, who had always taught her to be kind and to help others, would do something so ruthless.

"Felix, you have to find out the truth!" Florence's voice trembled with desperation. "My father... He would never do something like that!"

"I'll do my best to uncover the facts," Felix reassured her.

"Felix, there's one more thing..." Florence took a deep breath, steadying her emotions before continuing. "Can you find out who Lancelot is planning to bring as his date to the charity gala?"

If she remembered correctly, in her previous life, Lancelot's date was Shirley, and the media even wrote stories about how they were a perfect match.

Shirley had even flaunted herself in front of Florence back then. But Florence had been too consumed by grief over her babies' death to fight back.

'This time, I wouldn't let Shirley get away with it. After all, I am the real Mrs. Grosvenor!'

On the Night of the Charity Gala, the hall was filled with the elite, wealthy, powerful, and influential. Glasses clinked as conversations flowed freely. Shirley, clinging to Lancelot's arm, walked through the room like she was in a dream.

She masked the emotions in her eyes, putting on a shy and charming smile. "Thank you for the dress, Lancelot. I really love it."

Her off-shoulder gown paired perfectly with her innocent face, making her appear even more delicate and charming. With her bright eyes and gentle demeanor, she embodied the image of a first love that most men dreamed of protecting.

Shirley's expression turned regretful. "It's too bad Florence couldn't make it, but I guess it's understandable. She just had a baby. She probably couldn't fit into a dress like this."

Most gala dresses were form-fitting, like the one Shirley was wearing, cinched at the waist to emphasize her slim figure.

'The last time I saw Florence, she was still wearing loose-fitting hospital clothes, so it was hard to tell any difference. She must look terrible now after giving birth. Most women's bodies become swollen and out of shape.'

The thought made her smile smugly.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted ahead, catching Lancelot and Shirley's attention.

All eyes turned to the striking figure in a vibrant red dress.

The strapless gown hugged her curves perfectly, the lights reflecting off her smooth skin, highlighting her glowing complexion. Her flowing hair and the bold cut of the dress created a stunning visual impact, capturing everyone's attention instantly.

Her dress had a high slit, revealing her graceful movements as she walked, like a blooming red rose, radiant, breathtaking, making all other colors fade in comparison.

'It's Florence!'

Shirley's face paled as she realized her earlier words had turned into a humiliation, leaving her utterly speechless.

As Shirley stood there, her expression frozen in shock, Florence, in her stunning attire, made her way directly to Lancelot and Shirley, her eyes sharp and unflinching. "What a coincidence, isn't it?"