Chapter 394

Chapter 394:

“Mom, are you alright?” Sierra’s voice, laced with worry, broke through Leonie’s reverie.

Nina cast a fleeting glance at Sierra, her expression softening into a resigned sigh. “Consider yourself fortunate that Sierra is here today instead of Nellie.”

Leonie deciphered Nina’s implied message: the presence of Sierra was the only reason the confrontation was on pause. Without Sierra in the picture, Nina would definitely slap her.

“I’m alright.” Leonie managed a strained smile towards her daughter.

“Goodness, Nina graced us with her presence, and we were oblivious.”

“Nina, when did you get here? Why not announce yourself? We could have had a delightful chat!”

The ladies recognized Nina.

Moreover, her exchange with Leonie sparked speculation among them.

It became obvious that Leonie was intimidated by Nina.

In the past, Leonie and Nina appeared to maintain a polite and cordial relationship, but beneath the surface, it was clear that Leonie harbored doubts about Nina’s capabilities, constantly measuring herself against Nina in every possible way.

At this particular cocktail party, the moment the two women came face to face, it was painfully obvious that Leonie was entirely outmatched by Nina in every way.

“It looks like you were all enjoying your conversation, so I left you to it.” Nina drew Janice closer and gently patted her hand. “The main reason I’ve come here is to introduce Janice to all of you. And from now on, if anyone dares to trouble her, they should be aware that they will be facing me, as she’s under my protection.”

Her voice was soft, yet each word carried the weight of a storm.

The women’s expressions changed as her words sank in. To them, it sounded like a clear warning, a silent threat hanging in the air.

Nina’s message was unmistakable—Janice was off-limits. Slowly, the women began to grasp the significance Janice held in Nina’s world, a position of undeniable favor.

Nina, who typically avoided such gatherings, had arrived at the cocktail party solely to deliver this unspoken threat on Janice’s behalf.

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“Nina, what a thing to say! Of course, we’ll look after her as you do.”

“Indeed! I have a bracelet I’d love to gift your… friend.”

“A friend? She’s Nina’s daughter-in-law,” someone quickly interjected, her flattery tinged with sharp recognition—Janice was Aiden’s wife.

The ladies buzzed with energy, flocking to Nina and Janice, each one fearful that lingering too long would be seen as an oversight.

Watching the swarm of women, Sierra’s nerves tightened, a gnawing unease settling in.

She longed to join Nina and Janice, to inquire about the recent happenings that weighed on her mind.

Yet with Leonie beside her, Sierra felt trapped, frustration gnawing at her.

“Go ahead,” Leonie urged.

“What?” Sierra stared at her mother, eyes wide with disbelief.

“It’s a stroke of luck that Janice holds you in regard. I won’t stand in your way.”

“Are you serious, Mom?” Sierra’s eyes were wide with disbelief, as though she were seeing her mother in a whole new light.

“If you’d rather not, you don’t have to go.”

“Of course, I want to go. I’ve missed Janice terribly these past days.”

With that, Sierra hurried toward Janice, her steps quick and determined.

Leonie watched her daughter disappear into the crowd, bitterness twisting in her chest. The girl she once scorned had become her only hope.

Had it not been for Aiden and Janice’s consideration for Sierra, she likely wouldn’t even be at the party.

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