When Her "Death" Couldn't Break Him

Chapter 1927 A Screening

"So you're admitting you lied to Ms. Zimmerman?" Cecilia asked.

Miranda turned her head slowly, casting Cecilia a glare filled with resentment.

Cecilia pretended not to notice.noveldrama

Miranda said nothing. Her lack of denial spoke volumes.

By now, the surrounding society ladies pieced together what had happened.

"I've met Felix before. He's always been a handful. Honestly, I was surprised when I first heard he got beaten up. Seemed out of character. Now it makes sense. He was just playing the victim."

"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. If the mother's a liar, how much better can the child be?"

"I remember her boy used to bully another kid back in kindergarten. Walked around like a little tyrant, bragging that his mom told him he'd inherit the entire Rainsworth Group."

That drew a few quiet laughs.

"What kind of parenting is that? Do Nathaniel's children not exist to them?"

"Exactly. She actually expects Nathaniel to hand the company to her son? Shameless."

Miranda, her hearing sharp as ever, absorbed every cruel word spoken around her. With each passing moment, her face grew more flushed with distress, yet she struggled to keep her composure. If she allowed her frustration to show now, the humiliation would only worsen in the days to come.

"Miranda, I can't believe you." The realization hit Isabelle hard. Every word Miranda had spoken earlier the accusations, the dramatics-had been nothing but lies.

All of it, from Cecilia's supposed dominance at the Rainsworth Manor to the fabricated stories, had been part of Miranda's web of deceit.

Without another word, Isabelle spun on her heel and stormed off, leaving Miranda standing there, alone.

Miranda's face burned crimson with shame. She slunk away from the group of high-society women, her head down and her pride shattered.

But she didn't leave the venue completely. Instead, she retreated to a quiet corner, her frustration boiling over. "Just you wait, Cecilia. I'll make you pay for this."

As soon as Miranda left, everyone gathered around Cecilia and Elena, chatting warmly with them. After some friendly exchanges, the crowd gradually began to disperse.

Once they were alone, Elena turned to Cecilia "You handled yourself well today. In front of others, we must always uphold our dignity. We can't let anyone wrong us without standing up for ourselves.

Cecilia offered a soft smile. "It's all thanks to your guidance."

Elena chuckled, clearly amused. “When did you become so good at flattery? I used to look down on you, remember? I don't recall teaching you anything."

She said it lightly, but there was an undertone of reflection-she knew she hadn't always treated Cecilia kindly.

"Aren't you teaching me now?" Cecilia replied.

Elena reached out and patted her on the shoulder. "I must've been blind, not to see your worth sooner."

"That's all in the past," Cecilia said gently. "What matters is now."

In this world, there are no eternal allies, nor everlasting enemies.

Cecilia and Elena shared no blood ties. Their relationship as mother-in-law and daughter-in-law existed solely because of Nathaniel.

Cecilia had long understood it was unrealistic to expect Elena to treat her with the warmth reserved for a daughter. All she ever hoped for was mutual respect-and, over time, they had come closer to achieving that.

The charity auction gala was about to begin. Guests took their seats, the lively chatter gradually quieting as everyone settled in to watch the day's auction unfold.

The first item to appear was a dazzling, jewel-encrusted necklace-one Chelsea

had received from her father on her birthday.

Rumored to originate from an ancient royal family, the necklace was said to be of exceptional value, both in history and craftsmanship.

"Wow, how extravagant. I'd bet that necklace is worth at least ten million."

"Much more than that—I heard it once belonged to a queen."

"Buying it would definitely elevate someone's social standing."

Guests murmured among themselves, eyes fixed on the glittering necklace as it was brought out for display.

Even Charlotte couldn't hide her surprise. "They're putting something that valuable up for charity?"

"It's not just about charity," Cecilia said softly. "This might also be a kind of screening."