From Ruin She Rose novel Chapter 36

Chapter 36

Emily ignored the stares and the alliance between Sean and the guard. Her only goal was to stand by Charles’s side through this party and then leave quietly.

She wasn’t that fragile girl anymore. A few harsh words barely stung after everything she’d been through.

Sean searched her composed expression and suddenly felt foolish, like a performer who’d lost his audience.

Sean seethed with irritation but found himself at a loss for words. Finally, he just gestured for her to follow him inside.

Drawing a deep breath to compose herself, Emily stepped into the hotel. She couldn’t let Charles see her distressed.

The scene inside wasn’t what Lucas had described. Instead of an intimate family gathering, the room brimmed with young socialites in couture dresses-faces she barely recognized from past events.

She turned to Sean. “Where’s Grandpa Charles?”

“Charles?” He faltered.

“This is the party Lydia threw for Emily-only the richest and most important people in Cloudridge are here,’ he thought, confused. ‘Even Lydia’s parents didn’t come. Why would Emily expect Charles to show up?

‘Besides, everyone in Cloudridge’s high society remembered what happened after the Bennetts sent Emily to St. Gabriel’s. Charles ended up in the hospital and stopped showing up to family gatherings.’

The truth struck Emily the moment she saw Sean’s expression. There was no Bennett family gathering, no promise of seeing Charles. It was just an elaborate deception.

She didn’t understand why Lucas had lied, but she recognized the malice behind it. A chill ran down her spine as she turned to leave without another word.

Sean hadn’t anticipated this reaction. After a brief hesitation, he moved to intercept her. “Emily, Lydia went through considerable trouble to arrange this welcome party. The least you could do is show some appreciation.”

“Appreciation?” Emily found nothing worthy of gratitude in their scheme. “Do give Ms. Bennett my regards for her effort. Though her charity is quite unnecessary.”

As she attempted to pass him, Sean seized her arm. Noticing nearby guests, he raised his voice pointedly. “Emily, now that you’re here, why not stay a while?”

His calculated outburst silenced the room. Every head turned in their direction.

“Release me,” Emily wrenched free, staggering back several steps before steadying herself. Her slender wrist already bore angry red marks from his grip.

She had no interest in fighting. Tugging her sleeve over her wrist, she turned to go, but the crowd tightened around her like

a noose.

“Well, look who’s here. Ms. Bennett, the Bennett family’s precious treasure,” someone sneered.

“Precious treasure?” another one scoffed. “That title went up in smoke years ago when she got demoted to a Harper. You can still find the news about it. We should call her Ms. Harper now.”

“Ms. Harper?” A third voice joined the chatter. “More like the con artist who got caught. Even now she can’t stop clinging to

the Bennett name.”

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Chapter 36

More well-dressed guests emerged from the crowd, their expressions dripping with disdain.

Two years of hardship had blurred many unimportant memories, but Emily recognized every one of them. These people who had once called themselves her friends, now clustered around Lydia like cager puppies.

One snorted loudly. “Look at that outfit. Who does she think she’s fooling? Like she still belongs here. The Bennett family’s precious treasure? Don’t make me laugh.”

There was a time when the Bennett family treated Emily like their most precious treasure. At every social event, they would present her with visible pride, until her charm and grace made the entire Cloudridge society regard her as the Bennetts’ cherished gem.

Now that privileged position belonged to Lydia.

Emily disregarded the smirking faces surrounding her. “My mistake,” she said evenly. “I seem to have the wrong venue.”

As she moved to leave, Lydia rushed forward and seized her wrist. “Don’t go, Emily. This whole welcome party is for you. Isn’t it wonderful?”

Emily flinched at the contact. The touch sent memories rushing back-the cold send-off to St. Gabriel’s, the mall shame, the helpless humiliation of clutching her torn dress with no way to replace it.

She pulled her arm free with deliberate care, her voice as cold as ice. “Thank you for your thoughtful preparations, Ms. Bennett. But this generosity isn’t necessary. Please, don’t let me spoil your party.”

Lydia had let Lucas trick Emily, making sure everyone saw Emily get embarrassed. It was indeed a thoughtful setup designed for Emily’s downfall.

Lydia’s outstretched hand trembled mid-air. Her eyes welled up with wounded innocence. “I just wanted to welcome you home. I never thought you’d hate it this much. I’m sorry.” Her voice cracked on the last words.

Sean’s protective instincts flared at Lydia’s distress. He shoved Emily with enough force to make her stagger. “After all the work Lydia put into this? Show some damn gratitude!”

Before Emily could respond, Lucas inserted himself between them. “That’s enough, Emily. Lydia treats you like family and planned this event hoping you’d accept her.”

His tone carried the weight of final judgment as he continued, “She went sleepless for nights planning this. The least you could do is show basic courtesy. After eighteen years of our family’s upbringing, is this how you choose to behave? Walking away like this?”

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