The Wife You Buried Is Back from Hell novel Chapter 83

Gifts?

Danielle almost laughed—how ironic.

In her last life, she had painstakingly prepared the "Panorama of the Realm." It was one of her mother's prized collectibles, something of real value, but the old man had just sneered, doubting its authenticity.

Now, even if someone begged her, she wouldn't offer it up again. She'd sooner toss it in the fire.

Millie had just presented an extravagant gift. No matter what anyone else brought after that, it would look pale in comparison.

Bianca's move was as transparent as glass—she was deliberately making things difficult, itching to throw Danielle out right there and then.

Danielle turned a calm gaze on Bianca. "Is it really proper to pressure guests for gifts at a birthday party?"

Bianca's smile froze.

"As the granddaughter-in-law, isn't it your duty to bring one?"

Danielle smiled, her tone cool and unruffled. "So now I'm family? A moment ago I was sure you'd forgotten."

Bianca's eyes narrowed. All of a sudden, Danielle's tongue was sharp as a whip.

Bianca forced a smile. "If you didn't prepare anything, you didn't. No need to make excuses. The old man doesn't really need your gift anyway."

Paula chimed in with a placating smile. "That's right, Danielle. If you forgot, just admit it. No need to make a fuss."

Danielle's gaze drifted to Alexander.

He sat there, expression unreadable, sipping his tea with an air of detachment. Not a hint of concern for the way she was being singled out.

He probably wouldn't care if she dropped dead at this very table.

No—she knew it for a fact. Last time, even when she and their daughter died, he hadn't spared them a glance.

Danielle spoke, her voice even and measured. "Alexander and I are married. Our gift is from both of us."

"Whatever he gives is what we prepared together."

No matter what she brought, they'd find a way to belittle her. Why bother spending the money or effort? She'd learned her lesson. Whatever Alexander gave, she gave.

She slipped her arm through Alexander's, looking poised and perfectly at ease. "Davidson and I are just good friends. Mrs. Davidson is over there."

She nodded toward Danielle, seated at the far end of the table.

Every pair of eyes turned Danielle's way—some with sympathy, others openly scornful.

Everyone here was sharp enough to read between the lines. It was obvious: Mr. Davidson's heart belonged elsewhere.

The favored ones always acted untouchable. Titles or not, they were the ones who shone.

Danielle met those stares head-on, unflinching. She'd learned long ago to shield herself from these barbs. Soon, she'd be divorcing Alexander anyway—Millie knew that perfectly well.

Millie liked to play the benevolent friend, graciously bestowing the title of Mrs. Davidson on Danielle. On the surface, it sounded generous; in truth, she just wanted to watch Danielle squirm under everyone's judgment.

That was the real reason Alexander had insisted Danielle attend today's party: to remind her of her "proper place," to make sure she didn't dare compete with Millie for anything.

If that was the case, why was he dragging his feet about the divorce?

Just then, Millie nudged Raffy. "Didn't we plan that little performance together? Let's go show everyone what we've got."