Between Ruin And Resolve My Ex-Husband's Regret novel Chapter 257

Chapter 257 I’m Always Prepared

Vivi observed Sadie’s serene poise, feeling her resentment grow.

“Sandra, don’t assume a single victory gives you the upper hand. We’ll see how long that lasts.”

Sadie raised an eyebrow, her tone even. “I’m always prepared.”

While she maintained her composure outwardly, Sadie felt a sense of urgency internally.

The banquet transitioned to a buffet–style dinner, under the gleam of crystal chandeliers.

Elegant guests mingled, glasses clinked, and the rich aroma of gourmet dishes filled the air. Yet, beneath the surface, a

subtle tension simmered, fueled by unseen rivalries.

Navigating the crowd with a champagne flute, Vivi engaged various designers with a charming smile, subtly disparaging

Sadie’s work.

“Sadie’s designs, well, they’re rather avant–garde, not really aligned with mainstream preferences,” she commented with a

feigned sigh of regret, her smugness thinly veiled.

“Indeed, an excessive focus on artistic flair often compromises practicality.” One designer concurred, his eyes flashing with

envy.

Another added in a hushed tone, “I heard rumors of plagiarism in her latest drafts, but who knows the truth?”

From a distance, Sadie watched the scene unfold, recognizing Vivi’s familiar tactics of isolation and character assassination.

“Sadie, why are you standing here by yourself?” Alex approached, plate in hand, his concern palpable.

Sadie replied, managing a smile, “I just need a moment to breathe.”

Following her gaze, Alex quickly grasped the situation.

He leaned closer and whispered, “Ignore them. They’re just spreading gossip.”

Sadie simply shook her head, choosing silence over engagement.

Meanwhile, a man in a sharp suit approached Vivi, presenting her with a business card.

“Miss Quinn, hello. I’m an editor from Modern Muse magazine. I’ve long admired your work and would love to discuss a potential collaboration.”

With a glowing smile, Vivi took the card. “That sounds wonderful.”

She then shot a provocative look towards Sadie, as if to highlight her own success.

Struggling to stay composed, Sadie felt the weight of the evening’s events.

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<Chapter 257 I’m Always Prepared

The banquet continued, though undercurrents of tension simmered beneath the surface.

“Sandra, it’s been a while,” a sleazy voice whispered in Sadie’s ear.

Sadie turned to find a middle–aged man leering at her.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t recall knowing you,” she responded coldly.

“Oh, come on, don’t be so cold. I’m the owner of Westvale Group, and I’m very interested in your designs,” the man said, reaching out to touch her hand.

Sadie swiftly pulled away, her expression darkening. “Please, keep your hands to yourself.”

The man scoffed. “Oh? A bit temperamental, aren’t we? Do you know who I am? Cross me, and your career is over.”

“Is that so?” a calm voice interjected.

Noah had quietly approached, his icy stare chilling the man.

“Mr. Wall…” The man’s face drained of color.

“Leave,” Noah stated flatly.

The man scurried away in a panic.

Noah turned to Sadie, his tone softening. “Are you alright?”

Sadie nodded, then thanked him. “Yes, thank you.”

Noah’s gaze then turned towards Vivi, who was observing from a short distance, his expression inscrutable.

As the banquet wound down and guests started leaving, Vivi sidled up to Sadie, a cold smirk on her face. “Sandra, we’ll see

who comes out on top.”

Sadie faced her without flinching. “Anytime.”

As the banquet hall emptied, Sadie declined Alex’s offer for a ride and stood alone by the hotel entrance.

Her phone buzzed with several unread messages–offers from prestigious jewelry brands eager to collaborate.

The successful debut of her “Dewy Hibiscus” collection had opened up unprecedented opportunities.

The following day, Sadie was immersed in back–to–back business meetings.

“Miss Hudson, we find your design philosophy quite exceptional,” a representative from Lusso Jewelry, a sophisticated Montrevian woman, complimented. “However, we would like some adjustments to the ‘Dewy Hibiscus‘ collection to better

fit our market and appeal to mainstream preferences.”

Sadie’s brow furrowed. “Adjustments? Could you specify what changes you’re considering?”

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