Goodbye, My Love

Chapter 13---Not Good Enough for You

Recently, Madeline had finally found some peace at home, lounging around like a salted fish. But after just two days of doing nothing, Wendy dragged her to a dinner party.

As soon as she entered the venue, she encountered a familiar face—one she'd rather avoid. She hadn't even found Wendy yet.

"Tsk tsk tsk, isn't this the former sister-in-law?" Grace Cook's mocking tone drew curious glances from the crowd. Madeline regarded her coolly. "Miss Cook, do you have business with me?"

"No business at all. I'm just wondering what string you pulled to get an invitation here. This event is for the elite. What wealthy patron did you cling to, fortune-seeker, to sneak in?"

Avenis wasn't large, but it wasn't small either—and in certain circles, the same people kept reappearing. Most of those now watching Madeline with smug curiosity were the same ones who had scorned and humiliated her three years ago.

As the Cook family heiress, Grace wielded influence among the socialites. Once she led the charge in ostracizing someone, others eager to win the Cooks' favor quickly followed.

Madeline gave a faint smile and pointed behind Grace. "Then perhaps you should ask Ms. Taylor."

Wendy, the brand ambassador, glowed with opulent jewels and designer elegance, her aura commanding attention. Her entrance turned heads.

From afar, she saw Madeline surrounded. Before reaching her, she heard Grace—again—stirring up trouble.

Wendy's face flushed with anger. She strode forward in her twelve-centimeter heels, pushing through the crowd to stand beside Madeline like a mother hen shielding her chick. She fixed Grace with a cold stare. "My friend doesn't need your judgment."

The remark was a slap in the face. Grace paled, wanting to retort, but Wendy was a top celebrity and the brand's official ambassador. The organizers wouldn't dare remove her.

Whispers said Wendy had powerful backing—though no one had ever uncovered who.

Grace couldn't afford to offend her. All she could do was glare at Madeline.

How had this woman latched onto Wendy?

Madeline gave Grace a faint, knowing smile, then calmly swept her gaze over the onlookers. She picked up a glass of grape juice and walked away.

Wendy followed, her icy demeanor discouraging any would-be suitors.

Madeline stopped in a quiet corner. "Not bad," she murmured. "You really know how to command a room."

Alone, Wendy's face lit up. "Why are you dressed so simply today?"

Madeline wore a sleek black off-the-shoulder dress, her long hair loose. Only diamond studs adorned her—nothing else.

Wendy, in a purple gown, sparkled with a diamond necklace and chandelier earrings.

Madeline sipped her grape juice, her peach-blossom eyes lazily flicking toward Wendy, saying nothing.

Wendy yelped. "Pretty girls get to be reckless! Maddie, don't look at me like that—I might come out!"

Madeline knew she was joking to cheer her up. She smiled faintly.

Wendy cleared her throat. "There's an exhibition hall inside. Want to see it?"

Madeline knew Wendy loved shiny things. Her eyes softened.

"Sure. Beats being bored."

The brand had set up a display hall with the season's new collection—effectively a mini-exhibition, given the crowd of socialites.

Every piece was clearly unaffordable. The cheapest bracelet: $170,000. Necklaces: millions.

Madeline wasn't passionate about jewelry. She was here for Wendy. The hall was crowded, and Wendy maintained her aloof public image. Watching her restraint, Madeline found her more fascinating than any necklace.

"Miss Peterson, this necklace suits you perfectly. It was made for you!"

Grace's voice carried clearly across three display cases.

At the sight of Elena Peterson, Wendy lost interest in the jewelry. She pulled Madeline over. "Do you like this necklace?"

She glanced at the piece, casually asking.

Madeline studied it, brows lifting slightly. "It's decent."

"Want it? I'll have one reserved. Only three were made."

Madeline tilted her head, as if pondering. Then: "No."

Wendy snorted. "Fair. It's beautiful—but it's not worthy of you."

Out in public, Wendy always mastered her presence.

Had she said this earlier, it might've passed. But now, right after Grace had claimed it suited Elena—and as Elena herself looked intrigued—Wendy pulled Madeline forward and declared the necklace unworthy of her.

Grace's face darkened. Still stinging from Wendy's earlier rebuke, she couldn't swallow this. "Not worthy? More like can't afford it!"

Wendy smirked. "Are you saying I can't afford over a million?"

Grace had targeted Madeline, but Wendy answered.

Of course Wendy could afford it. Her endorsement fee alone was rumored to exceed ten million. A million was nothing.

"Ms. Taylor, Grace didn't mean it that way."

"Then tell me what she meant," Wendy shot back.

Elena stiffened. Wendy gave her no mercy. There was no reply.